CHAPTER 2

Defining Social Media

Defining social media is like trying to define the Internet, in part, because the technology, platforms, and use of the platforms are in constant evolution. Who would have thought just 16 years ago that we would have powerful platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Google+, Vine, Tumblr, Flickr, and more?

We also have technology that has given us real-time sharing opportunities, through mobile apps.

Social media is by its very nature about sharing, the creation of community, and interaction. Social media is about being social, it is about a participatory culture, whether on a large scale or small scale. There are people who consume social media content, there are people who ...

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