Social Media & Social Networking Drawbacks and Benefits Social Awareness Nabeel Muhammad Khan Tabaan Atif

Social Media Social media refers to the means of interactions among people in which they create, share, and/or exchange information and ideas in virtual communities and networks. Websites and applications dedicated to forums, microblogging, social networking, social bookmarking, social curation, and wikis are among the different types of social media.forums,microbloggingsocial networkingsocial bookmarkingsocial curationwiki

Social Networking Social networking is the practice of expanding the number of one's business and/or social contacts by making connections through individuals. Alternatively referred to as a virtual community or profile site, a social network is a website on the Internet that brings people together in a central location to talk, share ideas and interests, or make new friends.Internet This type of collaboration and sharing of data is often referred to as social media.

Examples of Social Media / Networking Facebook is a popular free social networking website that allows registered users to create profiles, upload photos and video, send messages and keep in touch with friends, family and colleagues. According to statistics from the Nielsen Group, Internet users within the United States spend more time on Facebook than any other website. Facebook Twitter is a free microblogging service that allows registered members to broadcast short posts called tweets. Twitter members can broadcast tweets and follow other users' tweets by using multiple platforms and devices. Twitter Google+ (pronounced Google plus) is Google's social networking project, designed to replicate the way people interact offline more closely than is the case in other social networking services. The project’s slogan is “Real-life sharing rethought for the web.” Google+Google's Wikipedia is a free, open content online encyclopedia created through the collaborative effort of a community of users known as Wikipedians. Anyone registered on the site can create an article for publication; registration is not required to edit articles. Wikipedia was founded in January of Wikipedia LinkedIn is a social networking site designed specifically for the business community. The goal of the site is to allow registered members to establish and document networks of people they know and trust professionally. LinkedIn Reddit is a social news website and forum where stories are socially curated and promoted by site members. The site is composed of hundreds of sub-communities, known as "subreddits." Each subreddit has a specific topic such as technology, politics or music. Reddit site members, also known as, "redditors," submit content which is then voted upon by other members. The goal is to send well-regarded stories to the top of the site's main thread page. Reddit Pinterest is a social curation website for sharing and categorizing images found online. Pinterest requires brief descriptions but the main focus of the site is visual. Clicking on an image will take you to the original source, so, for example, if you click on a picture of a pair of shoes, you might be taken to a site where you can purchase them. An image of blueberry pancakes might take you to the recipe; a picture of a whimsical birdhouse might take you to the instructions. Pinterest

Social Media vs Social Networking Social media is the media (content) that you upload -- whether that's a blog, video, slideshow, podcast, newsletter or an eBook. Consider social media as a one-to- many communication method. Although people can respond and comment, you own the content and have to produce (write/record/create) the media yourself. Social networking is all about engagement -- creating relationships, communicating with your readers, building your following and connecting with your online audience. Once you decide what media you are going to use, begin with social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter to engage with your audience. If you treat social networking like social media, you will come off as someone using a bullhorn. It's important to listen as much as talk with social networking.

1. By Any Definition Social media is a way to transmit, or share information with a broad audience. Everyone has the opportunity to create and distribute. All you really need is an internet connection and you're off to the races. On the other hand, social networking is an act of engagement. Groups of people with common interests, or like-minds, associate together on social networking sites and build relationships through community.

2. Communication Style Social media is more akin to a communication channel. It's a format that delivers a message. Like television, radio or newspaper, social media isn't a location that you visit. Social media is simply a system that disseminates information ‘to' others. With social networking, communication is two-way. Depending on the topic, subject matter or atmosphere, people congregate to join others with similar experiences and backgrounds. Conversations are at the core of social networking and through them relationships are developed.

3. Return on Investment It can be difficult to obtain precise numbers for determining the ROI from social media. How do you put a numeric value on the buzz and excitement of online conversations about your brand, product or service? This doesn't mean that ROI is null, it just means that the tactics used to measure are different. For instance, influence, or the depth of conversation and what the conversations are about, can be used to gauge ROI. Social networking's ROI is a bit more obvious. If the overall traffic to your website is on the rise and you're diligently increasing your social networking base, you probably could attribute the rise in online visitors to your social efforts.

4. Timely Responses Social media is hard work and it takes time. You can't automate individual conversations and unless you're a well-known and established brand, building a following doesn't happen overnight. Social media is definitely a marathon and not a sprint. Because social networking is direct communication between you and the people that you choose connect with, your conversations are richer, more purposeful and more personal. Your network exponentially grows as you meet and get introduced to others.

5. Asking or Telling A big no-no on with social media is skewing or manipulating comments, likes, diggs, stumbles or other data, for your own benefit (personal or business). Asking friends, family, co-workers or anyone else to cast a vote just to cast it, doesn't do anyone much good for anyone and it can quickly become a PR nightmare if word leaks out about dishonest practices. With social networking, you can tell your peers about your new business or blog and discuss how to make it a success. The conversations that you create can convert many people into loyal fans, so it's worth investing the time. Social media and social networking do have some overlap, but they really aren't the same thing. Knowing that they're two separate marketing concepts can make a difference in how you position your business going forward.

Drawbacks and Benefits “Social Networking” Benefits: Social networking helps people stay in touch that might not do it otherwise. Social networking can be used to help advertise goods and services. Social networking can provide an extremely accessible medium for self expression to those with access to computer technology. Social networking can be a powerful engine for job searches. Drawbacks: Social networking takes time away from other activities and can take over from real time interaction. Social networking can compromise privacy in a big way. Social networking can be used to destabilize governments and to advance terrorism. Social networking can be used to promote organized crime. Social networking can become a venue for bullying.

Benefits: Compelling and relevant content will grab the attention of potential customers and increase brand visibility You can respond almost instantly to industry developments and become heard in your field It can be much cheaper than traditional advertising and promotional activities Drawbacks: you will need to commit resources to managing your social media presence, responding to feedback and producing new content it can be difficult to quantify the return on investment and the value of one channel over another Drawbacks and Benefits “Social Networking”

Social Awareness Knowing what is socially acceptable and acting accordingly Being aware of different problems in society, being especially sensitive to the needs of the less fortunate, etc.

How to Create Social Awareness Developing social awareness involves learning about the dynamics of social relationships between individuals, groups and communities. A socially aware individual values human rights and acknowledges the importance of harmonious social interaction for the developmental progress of human beings. Social awareness spans a wide spectrum, beginning with social skills development in early childhood and encompassing the level of social consciousness that leads to social activism and societal transformation.

Here are some strategies for developing social awareness.

Consider the needs of individuals and groups. People need to feel heard, valued, respected and acknowledged. Develop sensitivity to the needs of others. For children, this means learning how to share toys and play harmoniously on the playground.

Examine your role in conflicts. The use of excessive force, intimidation and aggression are common strategies when dealing with conflict. Some people avoid conflicts at all costs. Others choose the company of passive people or engage in passive aggressive behaviors. Consider the role that you play in perpetuating conflicts and commit to living a more socially harmonious life.Focus on commonalities and points of agreement to reduce conflict. An overemphasis on social differences can lead to disharmony. Find the commonalities. For children, this may mean choosing a game that both children enjoy. Develop conflict resolution skills. Take a course in conflict resolution or spend time talking to and observing the behaviors of leaders and mentors who are known for their harmonious natures.

Increase your sensitivity to social justice and harmony. In children and teens this may mean treating others fairly regardless of their level of popularity or style of dress.

Educate yourself on social issues. Racism, and poverty are just a few examples of issues plaguing society. Children can learn about these social issues at school or at home.

Step out of your comfort zone to experience unfamiliar groups. Whether you venture out to a different side of town or travel to a different country, exposing yourself to diverse cultures and ways of life will expand your thinking and view of the world. Being exposed to different belief systems, cuisines and lifestyles is useful for expanding your social circle and building tolerance for diverse viewpoints.

Practice compassion. Social transformation requires a commitment to exploring and understanding divergent viewpoints. Develop empathy by consciously imagining yourself in the position of those in a different or less fortunate situation. Children can be taught to do this when they have hurt another person's feelings.

Commit to a social awareness plan. Slipping into apathy and isolation can be easy given life's sometimes overwhelming demands. Design a plan that keeps you continually aware socially.Serve in your community. Explore service opportunities in schools, cultural centers, political organizations, religious communities or neighborhood activities. Engage in a social activity on a daily basis. Choose an activity that requires you to listen to and tend to the needs of another person or group. Practice speaking up in defense of others. Commit to voicing your opinion on behalf of marginalized groups who are deprived of their basic human rights.

Ask others to support your efforts to become more socially aware. When friends, family and colleagues realize that you want to become more socially engaged, they are more likely to invite you to volunteer at events and join them in community activities.