As mentioned in my previous post,
social networking has become an essential tool for all businesses. Companies use
social networks as a way to keep in touch with their consumers and inform them
of any updates or new inventory. In this way, social networking can be viewed
as a source of free advertising. Furthermore, it allows companies to easily
receive consumer insight, which can be used to modify products and
services. The danger of social
networking for businesses is that it neglects to filter the useful insight from
the nonsensical. A vocal minority does not necessarily represent a wise
majority. With this said, businesses need to take each consumer insight with a
grain of salt and figure out what makes sense and what doesn’t. As long as a
business doesn’t run away with an idea just because it was promoted on social
media, the concept of consumer feedback should be overall beneficial in the
long run.
Social Networks are also used as a
common news outlet. Breaking news and trends now almost always start on social
media, where the public will also comment on said news and trends. According to
the New York Times articles, Getting the Most Out of Twitter, social networks such as Twitter have become more
useful “as a way to tap in to the discussions of the day than to broadcast
their own thoughts.” Although social media is known for providing an outlet to
be vocal, one does not have to write so much as a tweet to reap the benefits of
the site. However, with all the information buzzing around on social media, one
is bound to have an opinion they’re compelled to share with the world.