OE: 201 S.Y.B.A. Sociology (Semester III)
Social Media and Challenges
Chapter 1. Introduction to Social Media
Dr. Alok Pawar
MSc Comp. Sci, MSc Comm. Physics,
MBA - MPhil (information Technology)
MA Economics, MCom, PhD
1.1 Definition and Meaning of Social Media
Definition of Social Media : Social Media refers to web-based platforms and applications that allow people to create, share, and interact with content such as information, ideas, photos, videos, and messages. These contents are known as multimedia.
Definitions of Social Media given by various authors
"Social media is a group of Internet-based applications that build on the ideological and technological foundations of Web 2.0, and that allow the creation and exchange of user-generated content."
Kaplan & Haenlein (2010)
This definition emphasizes both the technical aspects (Web 2.0 applications) and the social, user-driven aspect (user-generated content).
"Social network sites are web-based services that allow individuals to
(1) construct a public or semi-public profile within a bounded system,
(2) articulate a list of other users with whom they share a connection, and
(3) view and traverse their list of connections and those made by others within the system."
Boyd & Ellison (2007)
Boyd and Ellison focus specifically on social networking sites, but this can be extended to general social media platforms. Their definition highlights the structure and function of these platforms, with an emphasis on the network-building and connection-sharing aspect.
"Social media represents a hybrid element of the promotion mix because it allows companies to engage with customers and other stakeholders in a dialogical communication setting that is not only interactive but also highly personal."
Mangold & Faulds (2009)
This definition introduces the concept of social media as an interactive and dialogical tool for communication between companies and stakeholders, emphasizing its role in marketing and customer engagement.
"Social media sites are networked communication platforms that allow users to share content and build relationships. The features they offer facilitate the development of social networks and relationships between individuals."
Ellison & Boyd (2013)
Here, the focus is on the relational and communicative functions of social media, underlining the importance of both content-sharing and relationship-building.
"Social media is the collective online community of people interacting, communicating, and sharing content and experiences."
Howard Rheingold (2012)
Rheingold takes a broad approach to defining social media, emphasizing community interaction and the sharing of experiences.
"Social media refers to a variety of online platforms that allow people to create and share content, engage in social networking, and form online communities with a focus on user participation."
Tufekci (2014)
Tufekci underscores social media’s participatory nature and its role in forming communities online.
Meaning of Social Media
Social media provides a digital space where individuals, groups, and organizations can communicate instantly.
It helps people to connect, collaborate, and express their opinions publicly or privately.
Through social media, users can create content, share updates, follow others, and participate in online communities.
Examples : Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, Twitter (X), LinkedIn, TikTok (not used in India)
Social media means online platforms that bring people together to share content and communicate in real time.
1.2 Types of Social Media
Following major 10 types of social media.
1. Social Networking Sites: Used for connecting with people, sharing posts, chatting. Social networking sites (SNS) are web-based platforms that allow individuals to create personal profiles, connect with other users, share content, and interact socially in virtual communities. These sites are designed to foster relationships, communication, and social interaction among users, making it easier to connect with friends, family, colleagues, and people with similar interests. The main focus of SNS is on creating and maintaining social connections rather than just exchanging information.
It has characteristics like user profile, connections and friendships, content sharing, communication and interactions, news feeds or timelines, groups and communications, privacy and security setting. Examples: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), LinkedIn
2. Media Sharing Platforms : Used mainly for sharing photos, videos, and media content. Media sharing platforms are online services that allow users to upload, store, share, and view various types of media, such as photos, videos, music, and other digital content. These platforms are central to how users create, share, and consume multimedia content on the internet. They enable people to easily distribute their creations to a global audience, interact with others, and engage in both social and professional exchanges.
Unlike social networking sites (SNS), which focus on building relationships and social interactions, media sharing platforms are primarily designed around the sharing and viewing of media content. Some platforms may also incorporate social elements, like comments, likes, and shares, making them both tools for content distribution and community engagement.
It has features like, uploading and hosting media, media organization and categorizations, Public and private sharing options, Social interactions, content discovery, content monetization etc. Examples: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat
3. Messaging / Communication Apps: Used for instant messaging, voice calls, video calls. Messaging and communication apps are software applications designed to facilitate real-time communication between individuals or groups through text, voice, or video. These apps have revolutionized the way people interact, both personally and professionally, providing a more immediate and efficient means of communication compared to traditional methods like email or phone calls.
Messaging apps have become integral to daily life, offering users a variety of features such as instant messaging, voice and video calls, multimedia sharing, group chats, and even integrated payment systems.
It has features like, text message, multimedia sharing, voice and video calls, end to end encryption, group chats, push notifications, cross platform supports, payment integration, bots and automations. Examples: WhatsApp, Telegram, Messenger
4. Discussion Forums / Community Platforms: Used for question–answer discussions, problem-solving, and debates. Discussion forums (also called community platforms) are a type of social media where users participate in topic-based conversations by posting questions, answers, or opinions. These platforms focus on knowledge sharing, problem-solving, and community discussions rather than personal profiles or entertainment.
It has features like topic based structure, Asynchronous structure,Long form discussion, moderation, user generated content. Examples: Reddit, Quora.
5. Blogging and Microblogging Sites : Used for writing articles, posts, short messages.
Examples: WordPress, Blogger, Twitter (microblogging)
Blogging sites are social media platforms where users create and publish long-form content such as articles, tutorials, personal stories, reviews, or professional insights. They allow formatting, images, videos, and detailed information. Example : blogger
Microblogging sites allow users to share short, quick updates instead of long articles. Posts are usually limited in characters and are suitable for news, opinions, and instant sharing. Example : twitter
6. Social Bookmarking / Content Curation Sites: Used for discovering, saving, and sharing useful links or content. Social bookmarking and content creation sites are platforms where users can save, organize, manage, and share web links or digital content. These sites allow people to bookmark useful resources online and categorize them using tags, making them easy to search and revisit. They also help in discovering new content recommended by other users.
Examples: Pinterest, Flipboard
7. Professional/Business Networking Platforms: Used for jobs, professional profiles, business promotion. Professional or business networking platforms are social media sites designed to help individuals build professional connections, showcase skills, find jobs, and share industry-related content. These platforms focus on careers, business interactions, and professional growth rather than personal or entertainment-based communication.
Examples: LinkedIn, Xing
8. Review and Rating Platforms: Used for giving customer reviews and experiences. Review and rating platforms are social media sites where users share their opinions, experiences, and ratings about products, services, places, or businesses. These platforms help other users make informed decisions based on real customer feedback.
Examples: Google Reviews, TripAdvisor, Yelp
9. Collaboration Platforms: Used for teamwork, project work, file sharing. Collaboration platforms are online tools and social media environments that allow individuals or teams to work together, communicate, share files, and manage projects in real time. These platforms support teamwork, remote work, and coordination across different locations.
Examples: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace
10. Virtual Worlds / Gaming Communities: Used for interactive gaming and virtual communication. Virtual worlds and gaming communities are social media environments where users interact inside computer-generated 3D spaces or online games. These platforms allow people to create avatars, communicate, play, collaborate, and build virtual experiences together. Examples: Roblox, Minecraft communities, Fortnite communities
1.3 Positive Impacts of Social Media
Following are the positive impacts of social media;
- Easy Communication: People can instantly connect with friends, family, and communities across the world.
- Educational Benefits: Students can access study materials, online lectures, doubt-solving groups, and learning videos.
- Business and Marketing: Companies use social media for advertising, branding, and reaching customers at low cost.
- Awareness and Information: News, updates, and important information spread quickly (health, emergencies, social issues).
- Creativity and Talent Showcase: People share photos, music, writing, art, and videos, helping them gain recognition.
- Job and Career Opportunities: Platforms like LinkedIn help in networking, finding jobs, and professional growth.
- Social Support: Online communities help individuals find groups with similar interests or problems (mental health, hobby groups).
1.4 Negative Impacts of Social Media
Following are the negative impacts of social media;
- Addiction and Time Waste: Excessive scrolling and notifications reduce productivity and create dependency.
- Cyber bullying and Harassment: Users, especially teenagers, may face trolling, bullying, or online abuse.
- Privacy Issues: Personal data and photos can be misused or stolen.
- Mental Health Problems: Continuous comparison causes stress, low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.
- Spread of Fake News: Misinformation spreads quickly and creates confusion or fear in society.
- Reduced Real-Life Interaction: People spend less time talking face-to-face, affecting relationships.
- Negative Influence on Students: Distraction from studies, sleep disturbance, and poor concentration
- Define Social Media.
- State any two definitions of social media given by authors.
- Mention any two features of Social Networking Sites.
- What are Media Sharing Platforms?
- Give any two uses of Messaging / Communication Apps.
- What are Discussion Forums?
- Differentiate between blogging and microblogging.
- What is Social Bookmarking?
- What are Professional Networking Platforms?
- Give two examples of Review and Rating Platforms.
- Mention any two positive impacts of social media.
- Mention any two negative impacts of social media.
- What is meant by “User-Generated Content”?
- What is Web 2.0 in relation to social media?
- Give two examples of Virtual World / Gaming communities.
- Explain any two definitions of Social Media given by scholars.
- Describe the major types of Social Media. (Any four)
- Write a short note on Social Networking Sites and their features.
- What are Media Sharing Platforms? Explain with features and examples.
- Explain Messaging / Communication Apps with their characteristics.
- Discuss Discussion Forums and their role in online communities.
- Explain Professional / Business Networking Platforms with examples.
- Write a note on the Positive Impacts of Social Media.
- Write a note on the Negative Impacts of Social Media.
- Explain the meaning of Social Media with suitable examples.
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