Getting Started
Photo by Tracey Le Blanc on www.pexels.com.
The term social media refers to a computer-based technology that facilitates the sharing of ideas, thoughts, and information through virtual networks and communities. Social media is a collective term for websites and applications that focus on communication, community-based input, interaction, content-sharing and collaboration. Some popular examples of general social media platforms include Snapchat, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok
Instant messaging is a form of text-based communication in which two persons participate in a single conversation over their computers or mobile devices within an Internet-based chatroom. The software establishes a direct connection between users so they can talk to each other synchronously, in real time.
Types of Social Media
- Social Networking.
- Photo Sharing.
- Video Sharing.
- Interactive Media.
- Blogging/Community Building.
Learn More
Social media refers to any digital platform, system, website or app that enables people to create and share content, and connect with each other. Here are a few of the most popular sites that teenagers use, and how they work:
Facebook; A free site where registered users (aged 13 and up) can share pictures, links, videos, and other content with their 'friends'. Friends are other registered users you have connected with within the network. Most of the time, anything you share will only be seen by the people you have 'friended'.
Instagram: A free image sharing service that is used mainly on mobile devices. On Instagram, it's common to connect with people you don't know but share common interests with (for example, The Rock). You can have a public account or a private account where only friends can see your posts.
Snapchat; A mobile phone messaging application that allows you to send video or picture messages to one or more people at a time. The messages are only viewable for a few seconds at a time, as determined by the sender.
Tiktok; A free video sharing platform where users can shoot, edit and share short videos. Like other social media apps, users can follow, like and comment on everything they see. The bulk of TikTok users are 24 and younger.
Tumblr; A blogging website where people can publish their own articles and share it with people who follow their blog or profile. They also view the content of people they follow.
Whatsapp; WhatsApp and messaging applications let you contact friends using internet data (or wifi) instead of your mobile carrier, which reduces the cost of messaging. It can be used without a sim card if connected to a wifi network. It is popular because it allows you to send messages to a group of friends at one time.
Exercise
In small groups consider why young people use social media and instant messaging, in your discussion also consider how you can make their online use more safe. Below are some reasons why young people use social media, see if you can add more to this list:
Social media is a way for young people to stay in touch with their friends. Young people have always talked after school, long before social media – hanging out at the bus stop, at the local park, chatting on the phone – now they just have a different platform to do so.
It is an important part of socialising and connection in the modern world. Teenagers and social media use is increasing, the main reasons teenagers regularly use social media include:
- talking to friends
- joining in on group conversations
- learning about current events and staying up to date with online content
- meeting new people
- not having anything to do, or feeling bored
- feeling like they might miss out if they are not always up to date with social media ('Fear of Missing out' FOMO)
What you learn in this course
- You will be able to complete definitions of terms Social Media and Instant Messaging.
- You will be able to name the most important and explain their basic function (what platforms is the main purpose of each platform
- You will be able to make general statements about the usage habits of this age group on these platforms
- You will be able to explain how TikTok basically works and what it is used for.
- You will be able to explain how Instagram basically works and what it is used for.
- You will be able to explain how WhatsApp basically works and what it is used for.
Get ready: Tips for MediaParent consultants
It is important for parents to understand social media and online messaging is now part of everyday life, it is the norm for our society and young people. With the appropriate support young people can immensely benefit from social media.
Here are some of the benefits; being socially connected is very important for the psychological development of young children, and in this day and age, the online environment is where they get a lot of this. By connecting with others through social media, children could:
- develop better social skills
- feel less isolated
- learn about new cultural and societal ideas and issues
- bond with their friends
- have fun
- be creative and share their own ideas with friends
- be better equipped to be active citizens in society
- develop real world skills to help them become more independent
- learn about world events and current affairs outside of their immediate environment.