Social Media Tools

Social media are new media technologies that facilitate the creation, sharing and aggregation of content (such as ideas, interests, and other forms of expression) amongst virtual communities and networks.^[1][2] Common features include:^[2]

• Online platforms enable users to create and share content and participate in social networking.^[2][3][4]
• User-generated content such as text posts or comments, digital photos or videos, and data generated through online interactions.^[2][3]
• Service specific profiles that are designed and maintained by the social media organization.^[2][5]
• Social media helps the development of online social networks by connecting a user's profile with those of other individuals or groups.^[2][5]

The term social in regard to media suggests platforms enable communal activity. Social media helps people connect and build networks.^[6] Users access social media through web-based or mobile applications. These interactive platforms allow individuals, communities, businesses, and organizations to share, co-create, discuss, participate in, and modify user-generated or self-curated content.^[7][5][1] Social media is used to share memories, form friendships, build communities and learn.^[8] They may be used to promote people, companies, products, and ideas.^[8] Social media can be used to consume, publish, or share news.