The article "Twitter is Everything but a Social Network," written by Chelsi Nakano, http://www.cmswire.com/cms/social-media/twitter-is-everything-but-a-social-network--008614.php , has made me wonder what everyone else thinks about Twitter. Do you think it is a Social Networking site or do you think it is more of an information/news site?
In her article, Nakano gives several definitions of what Social Networking is and if you read the given definitions why wouldn't you think that it is anything but a Social Networking site? But the Vice President of Twitter claims that it shouldn't be put in the same category as Facebook and other similar sites because it is an information/ news site. Even though I agree with him, I believe it is still a Social Networking site because it links people together and also it's not primarily a site that just to get news out.
The article also discuses how people don't want there Social Networking sites to be associated with the term "Social Networking." I don't understand the problem with the term because that is simply what they are. The sites are all Social, meaning they connect individuals together and they are a part of Networking, because they are sharing information with others. I don't think the term should be frowned upon but should be accepted. What else would they rather be associated with? The article suggests that they could go with other terms such as: consumption environment, one giant mashup, an information shower, or a totally gorgeous platform. None of those would be appealing and Twitter should just accept that it is a Social Networking site.
I look at Twitter as a site that is a mixture between Facebook and a blog. What is your take on Twitter? Do you think it is a Social Networking site or do you think it should be placed in a different category?
I think the issue with the Social Networking label that is occurring may have something to do with a fear of the site sounding like a "fad." So many people are scared that Social Networking is just going to disappear one day (I don't think it is, but we'll see) that they don't want that label attached to their websites!
ReplyDeletePersonally, at first thought or glance I would consider Twitter to be a social media network, but when really thinking about it, I think in some ways it can be considered a different type of network.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Dr. Melancon, I think that site don't want to be put into the category like everyone else...businesses want to be unique and in this case, I think the same thing goes for the social media sites.