Due to the rapid growth of Social Media, there truly is not just one way to define it anymore. As said by Adam Vincenzini, “in the world of Communications, an accurate definition’ is everything.” By developing definitions, it is easier for one to make a conclusion about a particular topic.
When using Social Media, one makes it their personal “medium” meaning they are using sites such as Facebook and Twitter for their own personal needs. Despite the fact that individuals are potentially using these sites to talk to friends back home or see what others are doing in the world, they are fulfilling that emptiness or boredom in their lives.
When you think about Social Media, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Is it Facebook or Skype or more along the lines of LinkedIn or CNN? Either way we all use different Social Media for different reasons.
On Adam Vincenzini’s blog, Comm’s Corner he asked 140 communication leaders to come up with a definition about Social Media in 140 characters. This is what they came up with.
@leeodden Social media is technology that facilitates community & word of mouth. But what makes the social web work are the people
@EmilyCagle Adapt, answer, broadcast, collaborate, communicate, connect, create, engage, follow, lead, learn, listen, question, share
@blogtillyoudrop Content, Conversations, Community and Collective Intelligence*
@Beth_Carroll Social media is about building relationships and harnessing those relationships to build networks and interact
@swonderlin Social media is a revolutionary tool – bringing thoughts & ideas together from every corner of the world and in all facets
@glennhilton Social media lets us share our unique take on our interests; to listen, learn & grow & to find great ppl to connect w/ as we journey together
After reading all of these definitions about what Social Media means, it makes me ponder about what Social Media means to me. I believe Social Media is a way to stay connected with loved ones and even strangers. It helps build relationships and helps people to grow together.
Stay connected and think about what Social Media truly means to you.
Kayla Cancelmo 
Feb 10, 2011 @ 14:12:49
I think you’re so right.
How could anyone define social media anymore?
I mean we use social media for so many different things.
I use my facebook for networking. I use linkedin for professional contacts. I use twitter for keeping up with celebreties. I mean there is no one definition for why I use social media. I think it is interesting how social media has taken over in the past few years. I mean, its hard for me to stay off of facebook for more than a few hours. However, I think that if I had to say a definition for social media… it would be that social media is a way to manage your virtual life.
Blog Comments « jprice2290
Feb 10, 2011 @ 14:13:22