Social Media In A Networked World

Just as Scholar Danah Boyd and Jessica Parker said, “two people are friends on a social network site does not mean that they interact that often.” In today’s world, this digital world, does social media bring us closer or further?

We shared our interests with our targeted audience and community. Simultaneously, we added friends on social media sites to expand our networking. Social media is a wonderful platform for people to exchange massive information and build relationships. But how do we make powerful connections through social media and real life? Many people live in the inbox, therefore, the best way to reach your networking is via E-mail.

Writing a good e-mail will help you stand out both in your career and study. You have to show your differences when you are writing an e-mail to your acquaintances. Personal Branding is more than just marketing and promoting yourself. If the subject line is interesting or attractive, it works better. When you are seeking for a job position, telling a good crisp story in your e-mail will help you to capture others’ eyes. Developing your content is the very first step to market yourself. I suggest to start with the big picture, fill in the details, and sum it all up. Be vivid when you are delivering messages. LinkedIn is also a smart approach to sell you. You have to make sure your keywords are in a place where people can find you easily. Though social media is very important, remember don’t overdo it. Focusing on the targeted social media sites will help you to make powerful connections.

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Spotify: digital age comes

No matter where you go, you are surrounded by a digital world. Technology has impacted and changed everyone’s life. As a person who is always passionate about music, I would like to introduce my new friend, Spotify.There is no doubt to say Spotify has become one of the most influential entertainment industries in this world. Spotify provides digital music service and uses peer-to-peer technology to connect people and share their favorite songs. It was launched in October 2008, and by December 2012, it had reached 20 million members around the world and about 5 million users have purchased a monthly subscription.

Product: In order to satisfy different groups’ need, Spotify splits their product into three categories: free, unlimited, and premium. Free: Users can listen millions of songs with advertisements on their computers (desktop and laptop) Unlimited: Users can listen to unlimited songs without advertisements on their computers online. It costs $4.99/month. Premium: Users can listen on all devices. They can either download music or listen offline. There is no advertisement or commitment. It costs $9.99/month

Promotion: Spotify grows fast and achieves unparalleled success in media entertainment industry because it knows how to apply the right promotions to engage with consumers. For example, it offers 30 days Premium free trail to every Facebook register, which includes enhanced sound quality, offline mode for playlists, taking music abroad, etc. Although it seemed as if they lost profits by giving away a free trail, in fact, they obtained millions of users’ information and marketing intention freely. As a result of its exclusivity, and time limited offer, it made a good impression to users indeed. Besides its basic services, Spotify also draws users’ attention to “social sharing experience.” Unlike Facebook, you can always do “private sharing” with Spotify.

Price: Comparing to other digital music service, $10 per month with unlimited access to millions of songs sounds like a reasonable price for most people.

Place: Just as it said on their website, “with Spotify, it’s easy to find the right music for every moment – on your phone, your computer, your tablet and more.”

Social Media: Double-Edged Sword

In 1998, Google Search is created.

In 2003, we have LinkedIn Business Networking, Myspace, Skype,etc.

In 2004, Facebook is founded.

In 2005, we use YouTube to watch online videos.

……

If you say technology is a revolution, I will say social media is the Big Bang.

I am sure “social media” is not a new word for most people; although it has been new for a long time in this society. We see it. We hear it. We feel it. We have “friends” on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, but we do not necessarily know them in our life. Yes, social media is convenient, instant, efficient, and fun. However, it is annoying and tricky as well. It makes decent people become paparazzi and threatens others’ privacy and security in some degree.

I would like to share some of my experiences with social media here.

Twitter Chat

In general, I really enjoy Twitter Chat and I think Twitter set a wonderful stage for idea creation and refinement. Though its “format” is informal and unprofessional, the brainstorming process is inspirational. Just as Steven Johnson writes, “Liquid Networks create an environment where those partial ideas can connect; they provide a kind of dating service for promising hunches. ”

I also get a little overwhelmed when I am trying to read and answer everything. It is extremely hard for me, a green hand,  to follow the chat host’s opinions and respond others quickly and accurately. Surviving from this experience convinces me of my ability to interact with strangers. Finding my own interest and building relationship is way more important than being there for exposure.

Do you have any tips for good Twitter chatting? Feel free to tell me!

Facebook Picture

Do you feel awkward when you are tagged in an embarrassing or bad photo without notification? Hmm, I do. On the other hand, I do not want to be the person to tell him/her that  “can you take it down?” since it sounds too serious.