Social Media

By now, people around the world, especially in developing countries, know the impact of the Internet and new technologies on different aspects of our lives, but few realize its impact on many serious global crises.

Even before the advent of new technological tools, smart phones, blogs and other communication tools, I personally believed in the power of the media to change our worldview.   An example is British Prime Minister Gordon Brown mobilizing world indignation about election problems in Iran.  But now the rapid development in Internet application and communication tools has created what we call a social media.   Blogs, digital photos, instant texting etc. have proved to be major factors in the decision making of world leaders

Furthermore, social media changed the way we search for answers, or even search for new opportunities. In his 2009 article, Schawbel stated, “In your job search, social media is the great equalizer. It allows you to connect directly with hiring managers who work for companies you have genuine interest in instead of applying mindlessly through job boards.”

Companies and entrepreneurs are taking advantage of the wide-spread popularity of social media channels to advertise, market, and collect feedback and suggestions to improve their products and services.   In her writing York (2009) stated, “But in this age of personalized web pages, super-sophisticated direct marketing and social-media tools that allow like-minded consumers to share and promote products, that traditional model is evolving at major marketers like General Mills”. Moreover, social media is closing the gap between product and service providers and customers, and more importantly helping establish a communication channel that benefits both parties. Schawbel (2009) also stated in his writing, “You're already using social media tools to communicate, so why not respond when you come across a customer or potential customer who is looking for answers? It's a great opportunity to foster a stronger relationship between you, them and your company.”

It is very hard to talk about the advantages and the importance of social media without talking about its impact on education and learning. For me, and when it comes to learning, the word “sharing” is the key behind what I believe to be the success of social media (web 2.0 applications). Sharing knowledge and experience in a positive and interactive environment creates an informal learning environment that is gaining popularity around the world.  People are constantly struggling to find time and financial support to educate themselves.

Mohamed Bahrani

References

Schawbel, Dan. (2009). Skip Job Boards and Use Social Media Instead. Business Week Online, 14-14. Retrieved on August 18th, 2009, from http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=4&hid=7&sid=50f4e936-9a42-406a-9d11-071ccefcaa2c%40sessionmgr10&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=43474992%23db=aph&AN=43474992

York, Emily Bryson. (2009). Social media allows giants to exploit niche markets.

Advertising Age, 80(25), 3-25. Retrieved on August 18th, 2009, from http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=5&hid=8&sid=50f4e936-9a42-406a-9d11-071ccefcaa2c%40sessionmgr10&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=43404368%23db=aph&AN=43404368

Schawbel, Dan. (2009). Social Media and New Roles For Employees.

Business Week Online, 7-7. Retrieved on August 18th, 2009, from http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=9&hid=107&sid=290a8974-994c-4e2c-866e-e573e246c223%40sessionmgr11&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=43246037%23db=aph&AN=43246037