Social Media Apps

With the introduction of application on our cellular devices, it seems that cell phones rarely even leave the hands of today’s society, especially the younger generation.  True, some of these apps can be beneficial.  They can be used for research, communication, email, organization and other aspects that make the daily life easier. 

But, more often than not, these apps are used solely for entertainment purposes.  There are games, that can consume hours and hours of unproductive time.  And even worse than useless games, are social media apps.  Don’t believe me?  Check out this website showing the most popular applications right now:  https://play.google.com/store/apps/category/SOCIAL/collection/topselling_free?hl=en

You’ll notice that Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, Pinterest, Tumblr, and Linked-In all grace the top ten apps.  With the other three also relating to communication.  True, social media is useful when trying to connect with people.  You can talk to anyone at anyplace in the world and receive a response within seconds.  It’s instant and convenient.  But it begs the question, is all of this communication really necessary?  I mean, let’s be honest here, not every status update is a gem of intellectual genius.  In fact, very few are.  Most of the time we find memes and song lyrics.  I feel that the current use of social media apps is a waste of the potential they have to make a difference worldwide.

In addition to being time wasters, social media apps have started to violate privacy.  Like this article shows:  https://www-304.ibm.com/connections/blogs/socialbusiness/entry/5_new_social_networking_apps_cool_or_creepy16?lang=en_us.  I mean really? Choosing not only WHERE you sit on a plane, but WHO sits by you seems a little bit excessive.  We are also seeing apps to “rate” your Facebook friends and even meet strangers with a 100 mile radius of you.  You can link into where people are at any given time.  The idea scares me a little bit. 

Free flow of information is wonderful and helpful to society.  But when is information, too much information.  It’s something we need to be careful of when we hid download on our next phone app.

Viral Videos

Watch this!!  http://youtu.be/80entLldZOg  It is without a doubt one of my all-time favorite videos on YouTube.  Admit it.  You all have your favorite YouTube videos, and you have all have spent hours watching video after video digging through the kittens and babies to find the video gold.  And everyone has the dream of having one of their videos go viral.

Viral videos are the king of the pack.  They are the most viewed and most popular of all time.  According to Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viral_video Kony 2012 became the most viral video of all time with 90,000,000 views in 2012.  To reach an audience of that size is an amazing feat!  YouTube even pays those who upload the most popular videos, because they attract attention to their ads.  If you are able to make a video, and make it go viral, you can promote any cause you want!  It is definitely a coveted title.

So how do you make a video go viral?  It means views on the website.  Sharing it through social media.  It means commenting, liking and re-posting as many times as possible.  Essentially, the more people you can get to watch the video, they closer to fame you become.

Viral videos is not a 2013 or even 2012 sensation.  http://classicviralvideos.com/ shows viral and popular videos reaching back to 2006.  Viral videos are generally funny and provide entertainment for those who watch them.  But they can be so much more than that.  They can promote ideas, causes and organizations.  Viral videos can even serve as a commercials for businesses and organizations.  So the next time you watch that Harlem shake video, think of what else could be accomplished through viral videos. 

Search Engine Optimization

Whenever I think about life before Google, I pity those poor college students.  Can you even imagine having a question and not being able to find the answer with the push of a button?  I mean, how would you ever know how to make muddy buddies, or what year the Lion King was released?  And homework assignments, don’t even get me started.  But not everything that comes up in search engines is exactly what you were looking for.  Shocker, right?  It’s up to us to the user to sift through the information and find what they really need.

From a business standpoint, you want your website to be exactly what the user is looking for.  And the goal is to be at the top of every search result.  Bumping your website up the search scale is called “search engine optimization.”  Or in other words, become the number one result on Google.  This article gives some more tips on SEO’s and how to utilize the engines:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Search_engine_optimization

One thing that internet surfers will be looking for is whether or not your website looks credible.  This article (conveniently found on the web) gives some tips on how to determine if a website is credible or not:  http://mason.gmu.edu/~montecin/web-eval-sites.htm  Look for credible names or organizations backing the website.  Looking for spelling and grammar mistakes is also helpful.  Check for bias that is swaying to one end of the spectrum.  The more reliable you make yourself, the more hits you will get on your page.

Keep in mind that there are different kinds of searches.  There are local searches, image searches , scholarly searches, and each have their own unique set of results.  Determine who your target audience is and tailor your searches to meet their needs.  If you show up in Google, they might just click your site.  And if they click your site, they might just buy your product.

Management of Social Media

As we dive into the social media world, it can start to get a little overwhelming. For example, I have a Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, two blogs, Snapchat, Instagram and plenty of other platforms. On a daily basis, my notifications are through the roof. It is a lot to keep track of and it can get very confusing. Add in the responsibility of being a social media manager for a company, and you may as well glue your laptop to your hands. So how do people keep it all straight? And how do we make sure that our “updates” are appropriate for different platforms and situations?

Mashable.com gave out awards for the five social media management tools. You can look at them here:http://mashable.com/2010/10/21/social-media-management-tools/. The five tools listed here take all of your platforms and combine them into one place. Some of these sites focus on businesses and keeping things professional, while others are free and for your own personal use and sanity. I, personally, have not used any of these tools. But I think it is a lifesaving idea. To have all of your social media in one place and at the tip of your fingertips saves time, energy and confusion.

For businesses, there is also the issue of deciding to manage your own social media or hire someone to do it for you. I think, that if a company is large enough, it is vital to hire someone to monitor social media. The internet never sleeps and takes a full-time job, if not more, to keep up with it all. This article talks about all of the stresses that can be put on someone managing social media for a business: http://www.forbes.com/sites/capitalonespark/2013/03/19/should-you-outsource-social-media-or-do-it-yourself/. They need to be posting frequently in your business’ behalf, checking on what other people are saying about your business, and commenting, sharing and “liking” on statuses that apply to your business. It just simply is too much for one manager to handle on their own.

Organizational Uses

Social media started out as simply a way to connect with your friends and family.  It was a way to express your thoughts on the internet.  And best of all a way to waste time when you really should be productive.  But over the past couple of years, I have noticed a shift in the way social media is used.  Now, it is a way to promote your business, organization or ideal.  Social media has become a tool for social change.

These days I cannot even think of an accredited institution that does not have a Facebook page, Twitter account and other platforms.  Religions use social media to spread their ideals and faith.  Non-profit organizations use social media to ask for donations and to spread the word about the cause they are promoting.  It has now become as simple as clicking “Like” to show your support of a cause.  Government uses social media to share their policies with the world.  Politics use social media to get people to vote.  Even with the past Utah State student government elections, I knew most of the candidates’ names simply because they showed up on my news feed. 

But, in my opinion, the biggest new way that social media is being used is as marketing for both large corporations and small businesses.  This article talks about how much social media use for businesses has grown:  http://heidicohen.com/social-media-small-business-facts-you-need-now/

It is literally a free tool to share your logo, get your name out in the public and even advertising deals and promotions. 

With all of these organizations using social media to promote themselves, I am torn on how I feel about it.  I think it is great when I am a fan of the business or organization.  I mean, who doesn’t want people to know about their business or non-profit organization they are promoting?  But as a consumer, I have to admit I get a little annoyed.  Now, not only do I have to deal with ads to the side of my social media platforms, but I deal with them in my news feed as well.  After a while it gets old, and I start to ignore the organization posts.  It also makes me wonder if it really is as effective as it may seem.  I have never clicked on an ad that shows up in my platforms.  In fact, I make a mental note to be angry at whoever decided to clog up my news feed.  Overall, I don’t think that using social media as a tool for an organization is a bad thing.  But we need to be smart about.  Like the 9 companies highlighted here:  http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/9-companies-doing-social-media-right-and-why/

Most of all, don’t overwhelm your audience and be careful about what is noteworthy to post.


 

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Legal Policies and Ethics

                Libel and slander are common words for anyone who has taken a basic US Government class.  We all know that we have rights and laws in America that we have to abide by when writing information.  But with the new explosion of online and social media, some of those lines and regulations have become blurred.  Do we really understand what is and is not legal to post on the internet?  I know that I certainly do not comprehend all of the rules.  And what happens to us if we break the rules, even unknowingly?  I, for one, have worried on occasion that I will get slapped with a fine for using a picture I did not know was copywrited or mentioning a business that does not want publicity through my Facebook status.

                I think we have grasped that we need to cite academic sources found on the internet when we put them into research papers.  But it is the social media portion of the world wide web where things get sticky.  (haha get it?)

                But seriously, legalities and policies can be serious issues.  When I was looking up some specific policies I found this checklist of how to keep yourself safe and make sure your bases are covered.   http://www.asaecenter.org/Resources/ANowDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=46342

                Once your blog, Twitter, or whatever you are using is legal, it is also a good idea to make sure you are being ethical.  Are the things you are posting harmful to an individual or business?  Even if they may be true, it is not always relevant or ethical to post about your distaste of an individual all over their wall.  It is also ethical to make sure what you are saying is true.  For example, did Edward Cullen’s actor (whatever his name is) really die, or is this just a spoof?  You may want to ask yourself questions like this before reposting.  It is also important to take responsibility for what you say.  Your online reputation should be a reflection of your real world reputation, not an imaginary identity.  And, as always cite your sources.  Like this one I used to learn more about internet ethics J http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-internet-ethics.htm

                Have fun with your social media! But make sure you are doing it legally!

Collaborative and Distance Communication Platforms and Tools

                Any college student away from home will tell you that Skype is their best friend.  Skype (along with other distance communication platforms and tools) allow you to connect with people anywhere in the world.  These tools are useful for a number of different reasons.  Some of this these reasons are outlined here:  http://www.ehow.com/about_7230201_distance-communication-technology.html

My favorite use for these platforms and tools is reconnecting with my family and friends.  Being away from home, it is nice to be able to see and hear those I care about.  There is something truly helpful and nice about not only being able to speak with loved ones, but see them as well.  It brings people together in a way that other social media platforms can’t.  Distance communication becomes so much easier through these platforms and tools.

                The beauty of Skype and other distance communication tools is that it can help businesses just as much as it can help personal lives.  Holding interviews, meetings and other business items over the internet is priceless.  It allows for international communications to flourish.  It is no longer necessary for people to meet with people in person.  Collaborative tools also help projects to be completed.  Some examples shown here:  http://www.psfk.com/2012/08/social-tools-collaboration-future-of-work.html

Using these tools, multiple authors can edit documents without ever being in the same room.  Distance communication tools help save money and speeds up processes.  It makes professionals more efficient.  These types of platforms truly help to open borders and shrink the world.  It brings us all closer to each other with just the click of a button.

                Collaborative and distance communication tools help advance education for everyone.  Another well-known and positive benefit for college students.  Even if a spectacular professor or lecturer is not available at a university, students will still be able to hear their lectures and learn from them.  Overall, it benefits students at any university throughout the world. 

Applebee's Reddit Woes

                Social media can be a source of humor and entertainment, and let’s be honest we would hate it without it!  But in this world where anything and everything posted on the internet can be shared with the whole world, we need to be super careful.  Very recently, Applebee’s has been a prime example of social media gone wrong.

                Apparently, a pastor wrote on his Applebee’s receipt “I give God 10%.  Why do you get 18%?”  The waitress, finding it humorous, posted a picture of the receipt on Reddit.  After seeing his receipt viral on the internet, the pastor called and demanded the waitress be fired.  And she was.  If you haven’t heard the story or want to know more, you can read about it here:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/31/applebees-waitress-fired-god-tip-receipt_n_2591794.html

                Personally, I disagree with the decision to fire the waitress.   I found the receipt to be funny, and honestly thought it was rude of the pastor to respond in the way he did.  Of course, 18% gratuity is a little steep, but he could have simply opted out of the tip without bringing insults in the picture.  If I were in the waitress’ shoes, I’m not certain that I would refrain from sharing the funny receipt with people either.

                The issue is not whether or not the receipt, and frankly entire situation, is hilarious.  Because we all know it is.  The issue is that the waitress was representing a company and put the company name and customer privacy in danger when she posted the picture.  It was not professional and went against company code to post private information on the internet.  The fact that it went viral did not help either.  In this situation, I see both parties at fault over a trivial matter.

                But despite my thinking that the incidence is trivial, this news has blown up all over the internet. In response, Applebee’s has been scrambling to make up for their PR fiasco.  They even released a news statement explaining how they plan to handle situation.  And, in my opinion, they seem to handling it well.  You can read more about their statement here:  http://finance.yahoo.com/news/applebees-strategy-dealing-receipt-debacle-001500427.html

                Although it is still a hot topic, I believe Applebee’s is taking the right steps to amend their name.  First, they admitted the mistake.  Second, they are doing their best to make sure the public knows the facts.  And ALL of the facts; no half-truths.  Third, they are taking measures to monitor all of their social media sites.  They want to know what people are saying and want to respond accordingly.  Fourth, they are not removing any statements or comments from their social media sites.  They are taking the situation as it is and doing their best to deal with it.  Certainly, the entire ordeal is not the best for Applebee’s, but at least they are doing the best that they can.

                Overall, I find the story hilarious.  I understand why it has gone viral and had as much publicity as it has.  But I think everyone is overreacting.  But hey, blowing things out of proportion is the beauty of social media isn’t it?

Location Based Platforms

We have all heard of “Facebook stalking,” right?  And, let’s be honest, we have all done it at one point or another.  But ever since Facebook became a location based platform, the ability to stalk has increased.  Now, on Facebook and numerous other social media sites, we can not only know WHAT people are up to all hours of the day, but we can also have a play by play on WHERE they are all hours of the day.

Sound a little creepy?  I think it is.  So why “check-in” on Foursquare or any other social media site?  Is proving that you do fun things or promoting a business really worth your personal safety or privacy?  I don’t think so.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s great to tell people where you have been, which restaurants are great to eat at, which movie theater has the best popcorn, and promote businesses and causes you are proud of.  Many businesses even offer discounts or rewards for checking into their page, as it explains here:  http://www.iacpsocialmedia.org/portals/1/documents/fact%20sheets/Location%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf

But it is not the check-ins that scare me; it is the instant update that scares me.  I don’t like the idea that the entire cyber world knows where I am, and when I checked in there.  There are even sites (illegal ones of course) that are dedicated to helping you track where people have checked in on the internet.  Ideal for robbers if ask me.  Maybe I’m much too sheltered, or a little paranoid, but you have to admit it seems a little sketchy.  And I’m not the only one who has had these worries.  It has even been debated as a legal issue:  http://www.siia.net/blog/index.php/2011/10/lbs-location-based-services-not-stalking/

But location based platforms are still here, and I don’t imagine they will disappear anytime soon.  So how can we utilize these location based platforms and still be safe?  I’m not really sure we have an answer.  Please comment if you do!! All I’m saying is if you check in that your stranded in the SLC International Airport for three days, you better hope you locked your doors before you left.

 

Platforms

I am addicted to Facebook.  I have it on my phone AND computer, so whenever I am on either one, the urge to check for status updates is ridiculously overwhelming.  Why am I so interested in the mostly meaningless tidbits of information people post on Facebook?  And why do I get so much excitement whenever the little red dot pops up informing me that I have a notification?  These questions have been bothering me for a while.  And yet, although I saw Facebook as a giant waste of time, I could not stop myself from using it.  I even heard stories of “Facebook addiction” as a disease.  Think I’m crazy?  Check this out:  http://mashable.com/2012/11/03/facebook-addiction/

But after some education on the benefits of social media as a whole, I came to the conclusion that maybe Facebook is not so useless after all.  I mean, how else could it grasp this hold on people’s attention for so long?  Facebook can be used to plan parties, discuss issues, connect with friends, share important news, get the name of your secret garage band out, whatever you want!  And these sound like pretty valuable traits to me.

                So once I validated my excessive Facebook use, I got thinking about other platforms that I might not use as frequently.  I have a Twitter account, but don’t really utilize it.  Maybe its character count restraint makes me feel like I’m missing something.  I have yet to sign up for LinkedIn, because I don’t really view myself as a “business professional” just yet.  Occasionally I browse Pinterest, but only if I am looking for a recipe or new 5 minute hairstyle.  Instagram has won some points with me, because, come on, who doesn’t like seeing pictures of food, dogs and babies?

                Yet, none of these platforms (or any other of the countless that exist) have captivated me quite like Facebook.  Facebook has taken over other social media platforms and continues to rule as the king of the instant post world.  http://mashable.com/2013/01/10/facebook-top-social-network/  With the power it has gained over us, I cannot wait to see what Facebook, or maybe an unknown platform, will think of next.

Aaron Schwartz

Reddit has a reputation.  Whether it is good or bad is up to whoever is talking about it.  But people ARE talking about it.  If something happens, if something is funny, if something is big news, it is on Reddit.  And the amazing thing about it, is that the news would appear on Reddit nearly instantly, oftentimes far faster than other forms of social media.

Aaron Swartz, the young co-founder of Reddit and RSS newsfeeds, recently committed suicide.  His daring to push the limits of what was acceptable for the internet world launched him to the next level.  Certainly, he faced many lawsuits and plenty of bad-mouthing for his courage.  It has even been speculated that his legal issues gave him the desire to end his short life.

To me, Aaron Swartz’ death is a tragic one.  He was young, a genius, and certainly had the promise of producing powerful products in the future.  By pushing the boundaries, he inspired other internet moguls to do the same.  He also drove the idea that news needed to be out there fast.  After all, it IS the internet and people expect things to be instant.  The faster the better.  I believe Swartz’ revolutionary ideas helped that ideal spread.

Reddit, as far as I’ve used it, it also a great source when you are looking for funny video clips, jokes, etc.  Although I’m not certain which sites emerged first, I do know that Reddit is often preferred over 9GAG, Imagr and other websites of the kinds.  One of the best things that is promoted on the site is the idea of “up-votes” and “down-votes.”   Meaning that other users have the control to not only show that they like your video, but also to express that they don’t.  And whatever you may have posted will literally move up or down the newsfeed due to its popularity.  Showing your support of things on the internet is common.  Showing your dislike, much less so.

So whatever you may think of Aaron Swartz or Reddit in general, you have to admit that he made a huge difference on the internet world.  And I believe his death may solidify his ideas and inspire others to use them more fully.

Blogging

Blogging can end up being a huge project if not managed correctly.  The first article is written by a practiced blogger who addresses the different roles that can be involved in blogging.  The author talks about different types of bloggers who use various styles and timeframes to fit their needs and tastes. 

The writing in this blog is helpful to think about blogging as a more complex writing.  It is truly a way of expressing yourself.  My only complaint is that it doesn’t really explain how to use these roles.  It simply says to execute the role you chose.  It is fairly self-explanatory, but not necessarily helpful for first time bloggers.

The second article is written by wordpress.org.  They are a tool used for blogging.  In this article they go through the different parts and mechanics of a blog post.  It even goes into detail about comments and archives. 

Compared to the first article, this piece is much more useful for new bloggers.  It helps to explain how things work in the blogging world and gives specific instruction on how to implement these tools.

As someone new to the blogging world, I found the webpage by wordpress.com far more helpful.  However, it used very basic words.  It was not exactly an academic piece of work, but still nice to look at to help you understand blogging.

The second article is more helpful when trying to understand which personality you want to take on as a blogger.  It can also be good to read when you are jumping into the blogging realm of the internet, but may not make much sense at first.  For instance, I believe it takes a few times writing a blog post to really understand your writing style and blogging personality. 

Either way, I believe it is extremely helpful to read about blogging before beginning a blog of your own.  It will help to understand how you want to set up your blog and what tone of voice you will pick up as you develop your blogging abilities.

http://bloggingwithamy.com/blogging-time-management/

http://codex.wordpress.org/Introduction_to_Blogging