DMM
UNIT1
Social Media & Social Network: Brief history, Meaning and definition
Social Media means websites and online applications that allow people to create, share, and exchange information,
ideas, pictures, and videos with others — instantly and globally.
It is a virtual space where users connect, communicate, and express themselves freely through different forms of
content.
Cambridge Dictionary: “Forms of media that allow people to communicate and share information using the internet or
mobile phones.”
More than 5 billion people around the world use social media.
The largest social media platforms worldwide are Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, and WeChat.
Importance of Social Media
1. Communication and Connectivity: Social media connects people across the globe instantly. It allows users to
communicate, share thoughts, and stay updated with family, friends, and communities — regardless of distance.
2. Information and Awareness: It acts as a powerful platform for spreading news and information quickly. From global
events to local issues, social media keeps users informed in real-time.
3. Marketing and Brand Promotion: For businesses, social media is an essential marketing tool. It helps in reaching target
audiences, promoting products or services, building brand loyalty, and generating sales.
4. Education and Learning: Social media platforms like YouTube, LinkedIn, and Reddit provide access to educational
content, tutorials, and professional learning communities.
5. Entertainment: It offers a wide range of entertainment through videos, memes, music, and live streams — making it a
major source of leisure for people of all ages.
6. Social and Political Influence: Social media amplifies voices and movements, allowing people to express opinions, raise
awareness about social issues, and influence public opinion.
7. Networking and Opportunities : Platforms like LinkedIn and X (Twitter) help professionals connect, share knowledge,
and find job opportunities or collaborations.
8. Customer Engagement and Feedback: Businesses use social media to interact directly with customers, gather feedback,
and improve services based on user responses.
9. Community Building: It helps people with shared interests or goals form communities — from hobby groups to activist
movements — fostering belonging and support.
10. Personal Branding: Individuals can use social media to showcase their talents, ideas, and expertise, building a personal
brand that can lead to new opportunities.
Social Network:
A social network is a structure of relationships or connections among individuals or organizations that interact and exchange
information on a social platform.
Definition: “A social network is a web of relationships formed when individuals connect with one another online to
communicate, collaborate, and share common interests.”
Examples:
Facebook (friends), LinkedIn (professionals), Twitter (followers/following), Reddit (communities).
History
1. Early Online Communication (1970s-1980s)
1971: Email is invented by Ray Tomlinson, allowing users to send messages across different computers.
1980: The Bulletin Board System (BBS) emerges, letting users post messages and share files on local networks.
2. The Rise of Social Networks (1990s)
1994: GeoCities launches, allowing users to create personal web pages and communities.
1997: Six Degrees is launched, considered one of the first social networking sites, enabling users to create profiles, list
friends, and interact.
3. Mainstream Growth (2000s)
2002: Friendster is launched, gaining popularity as a social networking site and marking a shift towards more
interactive platforms.
2003: LinkedIn, a professional networking site, grows in popularity, focusing on business and career connections
2003: MySpace is launched, which becomes very popular for personal profiles, music sharing, and connecting with
friends.
2004: Facebook is created by Mark Zuckerberg and his college roommates, initially for Harvard students. It expands
rapidly to other universities and then to the general public.
2006: Twitter is launched, focusing on short, real-time updates or “tweets.”
4. Multimedia and Mobile Era (2010s)
2010: Instagram is launched, emphasizing photo and video sharing with filters and social networking features.
2011: Snapchat introduces disappearing messages and multimedia sharing, becoming popular among younger
audiences.
2013: Vine, a platform for sharing six-second looping videos, is launched and becomes influential in shaping video
content trends.
2016: TikTok (originally Douyin in China) is launched internationally, offering short-form video content with advanced
editing features and algorithm-driven recommendations.
5. Modern Trends and Issues (2020s-Present)
2020: Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter face scrutiny over misinformation, privacy
concerns, and their roles in political and social issues.
2021: New platforms and decentralized social networks like Mastodon gain attention, providing alternatives to
mainstream social media.
2023: Social media continues to evolve with the integration of AI-driven content recommendations, augmented reality
features, and new ways of monetization and interaction.
2024: Twitter officially rebranded as X. AI-generated content boom.
2025: Rise of AI-integrated features
Features of Social Media and Social Network
Features of Social Media
Social media platforms allow people to create, share, and communicate information, ideas, and content through online
communities. Here are the main features:
1. User-Generated Content: Social media mainly depends on the content created by users such as photos, videos, blogs, posts,
and stories. Example: YouTube videos, Instagram reels.
2. Interactivity: Users can like, comment, share, and reply instantly — creating a two-way communication system. Example:
Replying to tweets or reacting to Instagram stories.
3. Real-Time Communication: People can post or receive updates instantly, making social media a live and active space.
Example: Live tweets during events or breaking news on X (Twitter).
4. Multimedia Integration: Social media combines text, photos, videos, GIFs, audio, and live streaming. Example: TikTok videos
or Instagram stories.
5. Connectivity: It connects people from all over the world — allowing interaction beyond geographical boundaries. Example:
Global friendships and fan communities.
6. Community Building: Users can form groups and pages around shared interests such as fashion, gaming, music, or
education. Example: Facebook groups, Reddit communities.
7. Hashtags and Trends: Hashtags help in discovering similar topics or joining global discussions. Example: #WorldCup2023 or
#MotivationMonday.
8. Personalization: Algorithms show content based on users’ likes, searches, and interactions. Example: Instagram “Explore”
page or TikTok “For You” feed.
9. Accessibility: Available on mobile phones, tablets, and computers — accessible anytime and anywhere.
10. Analytics and Insights: Helps track engagement, reach, followers, and performance — useful for influencers and brands.
Features of Social Network
A social network is an online structure where people build relationships and communicate with each other through shared
interests or professional links.
1. User Profiles: Each person creates a personal profile with name, photo, and bio — representing their digital identity.
Example: Facebook or LinkedIn profile.
2. Friends, Followers, and Connections: Users can connect by adding friends, following accounts, or joining networks.
Example: LinkedIn connections or Instagram followers.
3. Messaging and Communication Tools: Most networks offer private messaging, group chats, or video calls to stay connected.
Example: Facebook Messenger or LinkedIn chat.
4. Relationship Building: Encourages personal and professional connections and strengthens real-life relationships.
5. Groups and Communities: People can join interest-based or professional groups to share information. Example: Alumni
groups or career forums on LinkedIn.
6. Information Sharing: Users share posts, achievements, or life updates with their network.
7. Privacy Settings: Users can control who views their content or personal details.
8. Network Expansion: Social networks suggest “People You May Know” — helping expand one’s circle.
9. Notifications: Alerts users when someone interacts with their profile or sends a request.
10. Trust and Identity: Social networks rely on real identities, creating credibility in online communication.
Types of Social Networking Sites