Journalistic integrity. Authentic community.
May 2, 2024
01:55 PM
Social Media
What is "Social Media"?
The Encyclopedia Brittanica website identifies "social media" as, "a form of mass media communications on the Internet (such as on websites for social networking and microblogging) through which users share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content (such as videos). Social networking and social media are overlapping concepts, but social networking is usually understood as users building communities among themselves while social media is more about using social networking sites and related platforms to build an audience."
And further notes that "the earliest forms of social media appeared almost as soon as technology could support them. E-mail and chat programs debuted in the early 1970s"
Early trailblazers included SixDegrees (1997), which gave way to Friendster (2002) and MySpace (2005). Facebook (2004) replaced those entirely, holding control of the social media platform space until Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Snapchat, TikTok and a range of other smaller players entered the market space.
According to Brittanica the cultural effect has not been entirely positive. "Concerns over the possible negative effects of social media are also growing in tandem with the burgeoning technology. For example, some observers suggest that social media sites spur greater schadenfreude - the emotional experience of pleasure in response to another’s misfortune—perhaps as a result of the dehumanization that occurs when interacting through screens on computers and mobile devices. Some studies also suggest a strong tie between heavy social media use and increased depression, anxiety, loneliness, suicidal tendencies, and feelings of inadequacy."
Of interest to The Rubicon Free Press is the well-developed concept of Netiquette (Internet etiquette or network etiquette, social behaviour).
"Netiquette, guidelines for courteous communication in the online environment. It includes proper manners for sending e-mail, conversing online, and so on. Much like traditional etiquette, which provides rules of conduct in social situations, the purpose of netiquette is to help construct and maintain a pleasant, comfortable, and efficient environment for online communication, as well as to avoid placing strain on the system and generating conflict among users.
Netiquette includes rules that provide guidance for appropriate social interaction and technical performance online. What constitutes good netiquette varies among the many subcultures of the Internet, and, of course, netiquette issues change with time and technology. Nevertheless, some general principles of proper online manners can be outlined.
Netiquette is enforced by the community at large, as the Internet does not have a policing entity. Users may openly object to breaches of netiquette; if the breach is severe, they may even contact a perpetrator’s Internet service provider for recourse.
They include:
Lurking. Lurking means that one reads the posts of a group without participating in the conversation—that is, one assumes the role of a silent reader/observer. Proper netiquette requires some knowledge of the culture of a group in which one chooses to participate; therefore, preliminary knowledge of the group, gained from lurking, is beneficial.
Reading the FAQs. FAQ stands for Frequently Asked Questions; FAQs also provide answers to these questions. A FAQ is a list of questions that are commonly asked among newcomers. Reading a FAQ before posting helps a new group member to avoid committing the faux pas of asking questions that have already been answered, an act that often generates negative responses from other users.
Remember the Human. Communicating via computers tends to lead people to lose sight of the feelings of, or to be insensitive to, others; consequently, users tend to be more blunt in stating their views than they probably would be face-to-face. Users need to be reminded that although they are communicating online, they are nevertheless dealing with real people who have real emotions.
Avoid Flames. A flame is a message that contains strong personal criticism or attack. Users are advised not to engage in flaming or participate in flame wars. One should treat others the same way that one would like to be treated, and profanity is not good netiquette. A rational tone and a polite manner are preferred.
Avoid Shouting. Typing in ALL UPPER CASE is considered shouting, which is not good netiquette. To emphasize a point, instead of typing in all upper case, one can use _underlining_ or *asterisks* around the text needing emphasis.
Not a Homework Center. Online groups are resourceful arenas; however, users should not use groups as a first resort for information-gathering or as a “quick” source for homework or class assignments. Before going online to ask questions, users should have completed preliminary research by visiting the library or doing a Web search.
Composition Protocols. Users should observe correct grammar and be careful about punctuation and spelling when composing their messages. Online messages should be clear, concise, and organized; an articulate and thoughtful message generates more responses. [1]"
We designed our group social media features to encourage real-world engagement.
Premium Plus plan managers have social media features that help readers, customers, and supporters to easily discover new channels and content in real-time. Members can also interact with each other and join new groups based on their interests.
Social media channel managers and their members can upload a variety of material to generate buzz around a topic by creating and managing posts. For example, you can post business updates or community announcements that you want members to know about.
Premium Plus plan managers can take a community collaborator role by using their social media toolkit to build a community for supporters who are also members of local clubs, teams, groups, congregations, charities, businesses, and other organizations who seek to be more active in their own communities. Get members talking about you, and to each other, using your social media channels.
Social media features find and support prospects, customers and loyalists.
Premium Plus plans currently include Vendors, Realtors, and Restaurants. These plan managers offer social media group features designed to amplify the customer relationship experience for local small and medium businesses and for-profit organizations in their own local communities... in real-time.
Want to have an open dialogue with the public in a dynamic setting? Create a public and visible channel that raises your awareness in your community.
Want to have a secure place for your customers to connect and share among themselves on topics you provide? Create a visible but private channel that is available only to your customers.
You can even manage internal communications with a private and hidden social media channel for managers, salespeople, and staff.
Invite people to join you as Free Press Members, a free plan that delivers members
who apply (and qualify) to actively participate in your social media channels.