Publisher's Synopsis
THIS BOOK EXPLORES SOCIAL media, the modern class of information technologies built on Web 2.0 and the Internet. Social media is changing the ways in which we live, work, and interact with each other. Like other innovative technologies, social media is used due to ease of use and usefulness, but other important characteristics such as trustworthiness, playfulness, and critical mass play an important role in its adoption by both individuals and businesses.
With over two hundred social media platforms, there is freedom to choose the tool that best meets one's specific needs. Whether it is Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, or YouTube, there are tools for every individual and any business sector. No wonder they are not only commonplace platforms for individuals seeking to connect with family and friends but increasingly important tools for business.
Given the ubiquitous nature of this new technology, this book is designed to provide the reader with a better understanding of the development of social media and its disruptive effects on life and business. It offers insights into the most popular of the myriad social media platforms across the globe as well as their industry applications. From banking to education to the traditional media sector, social media is used to market new products, communicate with customers, collaborate with partners, and build brands.
The widescale adoption of social media is driven by the growing number of social media platforms and the avalanche of leads available through these platforms. Additionally, adoption is driven by the potential positive effect of these networks on a firm's brand profile, customer acquisition opportunities, and innovation capabilities. It is for these reasons that social media integration is increasingly seen as imperative for organizational leaders seeking to grow their customer base, as well as for individuals seeking to establish their presence in the new business ecosystem. Join me on this journey of exploration as we get social!