Social Media

Summary

This lecture explores the concept of social media, tracing its evolution from the early 1990s to the present day. It covers the definition of social media, popular platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube, and discusses its growth with the advent of mobile technology. The lecture highlights both the advantages—such as business outreach and personal connections—and disadvantages, including addiction and misinformation. Looking ahead, it examines potential future trends, including increased specialization and the role of AI in shaping social media interactions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Social media refers to digital platforms like websites and apps that allow users to share information, which distinguishes it from mainstream media where information is mostly sent out by companies.
• 😀 Popular examples of social media platforms include Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), WeChat, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
• 😀 As of 2025, about 60% of the global population uses social media, a dramatic rise from less than 5% in 2005.
• 😀 The internet's growth in the 1990s paved the way for early forms of social media, with Myspace being one of the first major platforms in the early 2000s.
• 😀 The iPhone's release in 2007, followed by similar devices, allowed people to access social media 24/7, driving the success of platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.
• 😀 Social media provides businesses with an efficient way to reach global audiences, build customer relationships, and gain valuable feedback from users.
• 😀 For individuals, social media facilitates staying connected with friends and family, discovering content from public figures, and accessing educational resources like YouTube.
• 😀 Some disadvantages of social media include the potential for negative publicity, the spread of fake news, and the impact on users' mental health as they compare themselves to seemingly perfect lives.
• 😀 Social media addiction can lead people to spend time away from real-life relationships and responsibilities, as they interact with strangers or spend hours scrolling.
• 😀 The future of social media may see more specialized platforms focused on specific topics or interests, potentially limiting exposure to diverse perspectives and groups.
• 😀 Technology, particularly AI, could significantly shape the evolution of social media, possibly changing how we engage with content, with a greater emphasis on audio and AI-driven interactions.

Q & A

What is the definition of social media?

Social media refers to digital platforms, such as websites and apps, that allow people to share information. It differs from traditional media in that content is created and shared not just by companies but by users as well.

How has the number of social media users changed over time?

As of now, around 60% of the world’s population uses social media. In 2005, however, less than 5% of the world’s population was using social media.

What are some examples of popular social media platforms?

Some examples of social media platforms include Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), WeChat, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

How did the launch of the iPhone affect social media?

The release of the iPhone in 2007 allowed people to carry social media with them 24/7. This, along with similar devices, enabled platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter to thrive, as people could access them on the go.

What are the main advantages of social media for businesses?

Social media allows businesses to quickly and directly reach large audiences. It also enables businesses to create a variety of content, and if a post goes viral, it can significantly increase their customer base. Additionally, social media provides valuable feedback from customers, helping businesses build long-term relationships.

How does social media benefit individuals?

For individuals, social media provides a way to connect with friends and family, make new connections, and follow celebrities. It also offers educational content, especially on platforms like YouTube, which can benefit learning and personal growth.

What are some disadvantages of social media for businesses?

One major disadvantage for businesses is the risk of negative publicity. A post that offends certain cultures or groups can quickly go viral, damaging a company’s reputation and causing it to lose customers.

How does social media affect people's perceptions of reality?

Social media can make people feel inadequate as they compare their lives to the often curated and unrealistic images of others. What people see on social media is not always an accurate reflection of others' lives.

What is the impact of social media addiction on individuals?

Social media addiction can lead to people spending excessive time online, often at the expense of personal relationships, work, or studies. This can result in individuals neglecting time with their families or interacting with people who may not be real or authentic.

What are the concerns about fake news on social media?

Fake news is a major concern on social media, as users are often exposed to misleading or false information. This can lead people to form inaccurate understandings of events and make decisions based on incorrect information.

What is likely to happen to social media in the future?

In the future, social media may become more specialized, showing content that aligns with users' specific interests. This could limit exposure to diverse opinions. Additionally, new technologies, such as AI, could significantly impact how social media platforms evolve, possibly shifting the focus from text to voice or audio content.