Characteristics of Social Media Network
Social Media Network is a virtual community or website that brings people together. It may be to talk, share ideas or interests or make friends. Social Media can also be defined as a group of websites where users network socially. In today’s time, many social media networks exist like Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Tumblr etc. but there are certain characteristics that all these social media networks share:
User-based: Social Media networks are based on the content and actions of the users. Users generate content, consume it and also share it. The flow of information is not one-sided and without the users, the network would be completely empty. For example, our Facebook Newsfeed is filled with the content generated by people we have friended on Facebook or the pages we have liked. Without them, the Newsfeed would be empty.
Flexible: Social media networks are flexible in many ways. It allows changes in the network itself, in the content as well as the audience of that content. Every day, something new is discovered on the social media. There are constant new updates and new content. A social media network which was popular for just sharing images might allow sharing of texts, videos and later on multi-media. For example, Instagram allowed only pictures first, then videos which were less than 1-minute long and now IGTV allows longer videos on Instagram as well.
Interactive: Social Media Network is interactive in nature and the interactivity is in more than just words. It includes network-based games so one can play games together with friends online. Social Media Network, as the name suggests is meant to increase networking and thus connects people through interaction. Another factor of interactivity is that communication on social media networks is instant. One does not have to wait a long time for the message to go through.
Accessible: Social Media Network is accessible to all with an internet connection. Though there may be a few social media networks which are exclusive to specific community or class of people like MyMfb but majority social media networks are free to be used by all such as Whatsapp, Facebook and Twitter.
Wide Reach: One of the major characteristics of Social Media Network is that it has no boundaries. It can reach people across nations and even in countries like China where mainstream Social Media Networks are banned, indigenous Social Media networks are filling the gap. This shows that Social Media Networks have a wide reach because of its easy accessibility to the masses.
Network building: Unlike old websites, social media thrives on relationships. It brings you closer with like-minded people even if they are sitting miles away. Since social networks are based on the concept of community, it creates social groups which share something in common. There are many sub-communities within communities as well. Social media also fosters a sense of interconnectedness. This is why it brings one closer with people one has lost touch with or one would have never met without social media. It also offers tools and opportunities for building social network.
Emotional Factor: This is one of the unique characteristic of social media network that it focuses upon emotions. Many content are emotion-driven and social media network can provide emotional support to people as well.
Digital Personality: Social Media Network allows one to have an online persona which may be similar to or different than their actual persona. This virtual identity is shaped by the user and thus is the projected image of the user.
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