Social Media vs Social Networking
In recent decades, media has become increasingly powerful, influencing government policies and even enabling crusades and revolutions around the world. Social media and social networking have become pervasive in modern society. Although the terms are often used interchangeably, there are distinct differences between these two platforms.
Social Media
To understand the differences, it’s important to first recognize how social media differs from traditional media. Before the internet, media consisted of newspapers, news channels on cable TV, radio, and periodicals and magazines covering social issues. With the advent of the internet, media became interactive, allowing people to react to stories and comments on various issues in online papers and participate in surveys and online opinion polls. Social media encompasses not just online papers and forums, but also blogs, micro-blogging, video sharing sites, photo and video sharing, and bookmarking.
Experts have classified social media into several types:
• Collaborative projects, where people share their knowledge, such as Wikipedia
• Blogs, such as those by celebrities, and microblogging sites like Twitter
• Video sharing sites, like YouTube
• Exclusive social networking networks, such as Facebook
• Virtual world games played by people from all parts of the world, such as World of Warcraft
These social media platforms utilize various internet-based technologies, such as email, instant messaging, and blogs.
Social Networking
Social networking is a subcategory of social media, although it differs in approach, content, and purpose. Social media is primarily used for broadcasting and sharing content and starting campaigns, while social networking is a tool for expanding connections and interacting with others. Some also argue that social networking appeared before social media and later evolved into it.
By creating a profile on a social networking site like Facebook, individuals can share their likes, dislikes, and expertise, allowing others to connect with them. Some social networking sites, such as Facebook, focus on friendships, while others, like LinkedIn, provide a platform for career advancement.
Key Takeaways
- Social media is a platform for transmission of information, while social networking uses the internet to enhance personal connections and interactions.
- Social media is more of a communication channel, whereas social networking involves two-way communication.
- Social media allows people to share opinions and voice concerns over various social issues, while social networking brings people with similar characteristics closer together.
