The Role of Social Media in Research

Social Media: A Platform for Communication and Networking

Social media can be described as an accumulation of various platforms available online, which enables individuals to communicate through numerous types of online features. Duggan (2015) observes that the connecting features available online can be the sharing of knowledge and ideas, discussions online and networking among other communication content (Duggan et al, 2015). The concept of social media has been increasing over the years making it one of the fastest growing online websites. There is no doubt that its accessibility has facilitated a rapid increase in a global audience. Various stakeholders are utilizing the opportunity of the wide online platform with the aim of increasing their outreach capacity. Social media provides a wide network with exponential possibilities for identifying and developing relationships. Lenhart et al (2015) observes that once the users establish good connections to other users, they can leverage their personal contacts (Lenhart et al, 2015). While social media has multiple uses, this paper will identify its most important uses in the present time.

The Importance of Social Media in the Modern World

Research observes that in the world today, an average of one billion people have access to Facebook accounts with other 200 million with twitter accounts. This shows how social media has evolved to compliment people’s lives. The social platforms have enabled users all over the world to connect, interact and share information with other likeminded users (Tuten & Solomon, 2015). The social media platforms have been used as avenues for communication at a global scale. This is perhaps due to its ability to rapidly disseminate and amplify content. It not only allows informal conversations but it is also a powerful tool applied in professional contexts. The social media platforms have enabled businesses, families and friends to create accounts online join conversations at a global scale. Humphreys (2016) opines that its carries the stigma of frivolous time wastage activities such as watching funny videos or sharing apps (Humphrey, 2016). For this reason, he notes that scientists become reluctant on using it as it results to time wastage with no benefits attached to it. However, it is important to note that various individuals, non-government organizations and activists have used it to pass message to a targeted audience.

Social Media: A Tool for Knowledge and Professional Networking

Social media even in its simplest form provides personalized and relevant structure that enables users to keep up to date with current trends, research and any other broader issues such as personal career development, funding, and publishing (Tuten & Solomon, 2015). As mentioned earlier, certain social media platforms are significant tools for professional networking within different disciplines or professions or within certain subject fields. While other search engines used for getting information such as Google, social media has also been a useful tool for gathering such information online. They enable dialogue between like-minded individuals who interact, share and pass valuable information. In addition, it has enabled other users to join such conversations with scientists, journalists, students and researchers among others. The participants disseminate study findings and raise their profile while helping them establish new collaborations.

Social Media and E-commerce

Social media also has its role in E-commerce. Today, social media and websites shops have become almost inseparable with businesses identifying the wide possibilities given by social media. Businesses use social media to identify customers, increase their sales bringing more revenues to them. Tuten and Solomon (2015) observe that retailers now use online platforms to have an online presence and establish new relationships with customers all over the world (Tuten & Solomon, 2015). This shows the use of social media in e-commerce. Statistics observe that an average person spends a substantial amount of time browsing the various platforms of social media each day (Lenhart et al, 2015). This describes the influence and power of social media. Therefore, businesses have identified this opportunity presented to grow and expand their business and target audience. However, scholars’ note that being on social media simply means a business will grow its reputation instantly. Thus, social media only offers the possibility and businesses can only apply it after a careful study. Social E-commerce requires a lot of investments through hard work and time.

Social Media: A Tool for Information Gathering

Finally, the last use of social media can be identified as a tool for gathering information. As mentioned earlier, researchers, students and scientists use social media to collect information through interaction with other like-minded people. Individuals often post various data or information that may be useful to others online. In addition, various literatures have surfaced on social media and this information may be useful to others seeking similar information. Similarly, as mentioned earlier, individuals join information-sharing conversations where they discuss multiple issues and topics affecting different fields.

Conclusion

Social media has grown exponentially over the years and with it, it has emerged with other important benefits. Social media enables users to identify and engage in a wide audience all over the world. While it has various uses, the most important are communication, e-commerce and information gathering. It enables users all over the world to communicate and enables businesses to identify customers and advertise their products. Finally, it is a very resourceful tool for gathering information.

References

Duggan, M., Ellison, N. B., Lampe, C., Lenhart, A., & Madden, M. (2015). Social media update 2014. Pew research center, 19.

Humphreys, A. (2016). Social media: Enduring principles. New York, NY: Oxford University Press. ISBN-13: 9780199328437

Lenhart, A., Duggan, M., Perrin, A., Stepler, R., Rainie, H., & Parker, K. (2015). Teens, social media & technology overview 2015. Pew Research Center [Internet & American Life Project].

Tuten, T.L., & Solomon, M.R. (2015). Social media marketing. 2nd Ed. Los Angeles, CA: Sage. ISBN-13: 9781473913011