Is Social Media a fad or the biggest shift since the Industrial Revolution?
Before we answer this question, let's define a word or two.
Fad:
A desirable trend
characterized with lots
of enthusiasm and energy
over a short period
of time. Fads are often seen with common
consumer
items,
especially around a holiday
season. Products
that have fallen into this category include Beanie Babies in the 1990s, and gaming
system
in the 2000s.
What is the difference Between a FAD and a TREND?
A fad by definition is a short-term event, what some may
call a “flash in the pan.” A trend, on the other hand, has the potential
of becoming a long-term influence on the future of a market. The two may resemble each other at first,
but there is almost always a definite beginning and a definite end with a
fad.
Read more: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-difference-between-a-fad-and-a-trend.htm
When did
this Fad or Trend begin?
Very
Brief History on “How Online Social Networking Began”
- Social Networking was born one day in 1971 when the first email was sent.
- In 1978, the Bulletin Board System was created. Later that year (1978) the very first web browsers were distributed using Usenet.
- In 1994, the first social networking site was created, Geocities.
- In 1997, AOL Instant Messenger and SixDegrees.com was launched.
- In mid-1990’s the internet was it its full force; Yahoo was established, Amazon began selling books.
- In 2002 the first modern Social Networking site was Friendster.
- In 2003, MySpace followed suit.
- In 2003, LinkedIn was established.
- Facebook was launched in 2004.
To read full article: http://www.1stwebdesigner.com/design/history-social-networking/
A Few Interesting facts about Social Media
(Excerpts from “The Social
Media Report 2012”)
- If Facebook were a country, it would be the third most populated in the world, ahead of the United States. Only China & India are more populated.
- 500 billion. The number of minutes spent on Facebook per month. Last year, that number was a measly 150 billion.
- The amount of content 25 billion. (web links, news stories, blog posts, notes, photos, etc.) shared each month on Facebook. That’s more than 6x last year’s volume.
- One-third. The proportion of women aged 18-34 who check Facebook when they first wake up—even before going to the bathroom.
- 1 in 6. The number of marriages last year between people who met through social media. That’s more than twice the number of people who met at bars, clubs, and other social events combined.
To read full article:
http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/social/2012/
Social Media has become a way of life. Its beginning can be traced back to 1971 when
the first email was sent. Facebook was
launched in February 2004; almost nine years ago. It only took nine years to grow the third
most populated (on-line) country in the world!
Not bad hey!
Can you image your personal life today without social
media? I can’t. It is the way I stay connected with friends
and family.
Social Media is here to stay. This is where folks connect and stay
connected. It is where we live, work,
and play. It has become part of our everyday lives. Where could we possibly go next?
Charlotte, I enjoyed your time line. Isn't it amazing how quickly social media has become a part of our lives. Just another indication of how small our world has become as we can reach out and touch friends, and strangers, in another part of the world in seconds.
ReplyDeleteWhere do we go next? I guess that is my question and my concern. Being sure that we can use the various social media formats in a positive manner. Do we really want "Big Brother" watching us?
Just getting familiar with blogging
DeleteHey Charlotte,
ReplyDeletelove the way you've stated your case here :)
I find it really interesting that in less than a decade Facebook has immigrated that kind of population into the "global community." I too can't imagine living my (all too common) "A.D.D." lifestyle without the compliment of social media.
Joanne brings up a good point with mention of the "governing bodies" that monitor our actions, I think it's important to keep this in mind. Not because I want to propel any tales of conspiracy but because it's important that those of us who grew up without social media understand the repercussions of our contribution. Even if it means using idea's borrowed from popular publications of the past, I believe its a good thing that we encourage online social responsibility. With such a fast and magnificent change it is important to build etiquette and practice morallity in order to maintain a functional online society.
I share your curiosity for whats next!? And I think that predicting what will happen with social media is as unpredictable as what will happen to mankind as a whole. Anything social is purely influenced by us and all we can do is hope for the best. Something that gives me hope is the success of systems like "wiki
communities" where the community is left to its own devices and manages to maintain legitimacy even with a reputation built on the opposite and constant opportunity for fraud. People like "wiki officers" make me believe that we have enough good people in the online world that together we can be social and bring ourselves together responsibly without worry of controlled by anything but ourselves.
I like you analogy Very good Charlotte
ReplyDelete