7 key characteristics of Social Media

Everyone talks about Social Media today. But what is Social Media? How do you define Social Media? What are its characteristics?

The common answer is: Social Media is a group of websites where users network socially. It is not a bad definition.

But is this enough? To be characterised as Social Media, a website should have the following seven key characteristics:

1. Web space
   The website should provide the users free web space to upload content.

2. Web address
    The users are given a unique web address that becomes their web identity. They can post and share all their content on this web address.

3. Build profiles
   Users are is asked to enter personal details like name, address, date of birth, school/college education, professional details etc. The site then mines the personal data to connect individuals.

4. Connect with friends
    Users are encouraged to post personal and professional updates about themselves. The site then becomes a platform to connect friends and relatives.

5. Upload content in real time
    Users are provided the tools to post content in real time. This content can be text, images, audio, video or even symbolic likes and dislikes.The last post comes first, giving the site freshness.

6. Enable conversations
    Members are given the rights to comment on posts made by friends and relatives. The conversations are a great social connect.

7. Posts have time stamp
    All posts are time stamped, making it easy to follow posts.

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