Social Networking

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.