The Impact of Social Media Technologies - Special Academic Support

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Definition of Social Media

Andreas and Michael (2010, p. 59) define social media as internet programs and applications structured from ideas and technological fundamentals which consent to the development and exchange of information. Social media allows for interaction and communication fostered by readily available, accessible and affordable means of communication. Social media has made great impact in our day to day communication in institutions and organisations.

Example of Media Technologies

Blogs: These are websites where authors regularly update their entries in point form. They allow interaction and conversation between readers and authors (Andreas & Michael 2010, p. 61). For example, word press. Advantages of blogs include: they are quick and easy to update and they offer an easy way to express feelings. For those who own business, it is a fast way of reaching clients and one can inform his/her customers of the organisations policies and products. Disadvantages of personal blogs include: Posting too much personal information or posting something that may come back to you later. It is easy to get personal on business blogs which may lead to misconceptions.

Social Networks: are websites which people can join and at a minimum fee, create their own profile. Members are able to chat, exchange and share information, videos, links and photos. Through social sites, it is easy to look for and find friends and allies with whom you share common interests. There are professional networking sites like LinkedIn, which allow members to post their credentials, offers job sections and questions (Andreas & Michael 2010, p. 63).

Advantages of Social Media

Advantages include: Social networking sites help agencies in promoting government information and sites. Currently governments use site like Facebook to convey information. Prominent government officials also use Facebook to air their views and give reactions to contentious issues in the society. Social network improves interaction among people, promoting the ability of information exchange at individual level. Various agencies use social sites like LinkedIn to post and answer questions about job adverts.

Social sites offer a great opportunity for announcing and marketing events. For instance, Columbus Ohio in collaboration with students at Ohio State University used Facebook to announce opening of a new restaurant which turned out to be a great success (Wollan, Smith & Zhou 2011, p. 212).

Disadvantages of Social Network Sites

Disadvantages of social network sites include: it lacks the personal attachment of face to face networking. Its timely and failure to respond to issues on time may lead to distortion of information and distrust among the involved parties. In social networks, people lie about their identity and leakage of personal information may at times be fatal. Like on Facebook, there have been several cases of leakage of personal information which led to tracking, abuse and in worst cases killing of the victim.

Wikis: Its a workspace consisting of a various web pages where users can contribute, create and modify the content. According to Andreas and Michael (2010, p.65), communities, groups and organisations can develop a web page whereby they can post information with which they would like to be identified with. Wikis can be open (allows anyone to read and modify) or closed (allows certain members to modify and access the contents).

Advantages of wikis include: They encourage sharing of knowledge through simple editing features. This openness allows people to give their ideas on products in question and add their knowledge. They can be used d as a market research strategy to identify problems in a falling product, identify solutions and develop commodities. They foster communication and sharing of information across boundaries (Al-Deen & Hendricks 2011, p. 87).

The simplicity of wikis makes it easier to gather input from the population. Use of wikis builds trust between members this is because every change is documented for everyone to see who made the changes and when. Info is equally shared between all members of the community. A collaborative effort in development of wikis saves on space, time, energy and resources which could have been used by individual members in research.

Disadvantages of wikis: documents and information are open to vandalism and collaboration requires internet connectivity which may limit those who are in places which are not well covered
Podcasting: This involves downloading audio mp3 files onto computers and portable devices audio content which has been published from the web. Podcasting enables users to subscribe to podcatching software which at times downloads new audio files. Podcasts can be played by any digital audio player (Andreas & Michael 2010, p. 66).
Advantages of podcasting include: Users find podcasts to be a convenient way of receiving updates. To users who have a digital output like mp3 and iPod, once they have downloaded the podcasts, they can listen to them from anywhere at their own convenience (Brennan & Schafer 2010, p. 167).
Disadvantages of podcasting include: They are time consuming in downloading files; it can take up to 45 minutes to download a 45 minute show. Its not everyone who has a digital gadget and this limits the audience. IPods are distracting and may reduce productivity among employees.

Discussion forums enable online communities to hold discussions on topics of general interest. They work like organised bulletin board. One leaves a comment or suggestion then return later to see the thread. Forums enable individuals to share information, ask questions, find people with similar interests and create a help forum where members can create and answer questions (Bozarth 2010, p. 65).

List of References

Al-Deen, H & Hendricks, J 2011, Social media: usage and impact, Lexington Books, Maryland.

Andreas, K & Michael, H 2010, Users of the world, unite: The challenges and opportunities of social media, Business Horizons, vol. 53, no. 59-68.

Bozarth, J 2010, Social media for trainers: techniques for enhancing and extending learning, Prentice Hall, New York.

Brennan, B & Schafer, L 2010, Branded! How retailers engage consumers with social media and mobility, John Wiley & Sons Inc., New Jersey.

Wollan, R, Smith, N & Zhou, C 2011, The social media management handbook: everything you need to know to get social media working in your business, John Wiley & Sons, New Jersey.

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