Facebook and Twitter are the two power houses of the Social Media Industry. Social Media has become a new medium within the Media family, its siblings being Radio, Television and Newspapers.
What Makes Up Social Media?
So, what makes up Social Media? Metaphorically, Social Media is the body that holds the various limbs that enables the Industry to grow, and allows you to reach outside of the box and communicate with the world. The “limbs” I am referring to are what we call Social Networks.
Social Networks are made up of sites that you are probably already familiar with, such as; YouTube, MySpace, Flickr, StumbleUpon, Mixx, Reddit, and many others that are not listed here, two of those being, Twitter and Facebook. Each social network enables a person to share content, whether it is photos, videos, music, news or conversation. A social network permits you to engage with other people via the Internet. So what is the heart of social media? You are. You are the very reason social media is alive, it is you who pumps the information out into the social networks and in return, it is you that keeps social media breathing.
What Is the Difference Between Twitter and Facebook?
Twitter was originally created for texting purposes via a cell phone which is where the 140 characters come into play, for texting on a cell phone; you are only allotted 160 characters. Twitter included your username and therefore left you with 140 characters to express whatever happens to be on your mind. Twitter is in real-time, meaning that you will receive information as soon as someone you’re following tweets.
Facebook is more complex. It was originally created for internal use at a University, but as its popularity ignited, Facebook as we know it today, was born. Facebook is not only a place you can socially engage through status updates that are longer than 140 characters, but it also offers socially inclined games, profiles and pages that initiate sharing in whatever form of media you choose.
Both social networks offer a different format to express oneself, although Twitter is more commonly known for sharing news links and is becoming a predominant resource for breaking news, people still make connections and utilize it to talk about the events of their day or to promote their business in a fast and for many, more convenient way. Which is why I compare it to a drive-thru, it is quick, easy and you always leave full.
Facebook is more like a sit down restaurant, a place where you get lost in its menu of choices, from applications, status updates, photos, games, videos, pages and many other tempting interactions. Therefore you need to sit down and dig in.
Whether you crave Twitter more or salivate over Facebook, we seem to be starved for these two social networks and for those who use them, you may tend to agree that you can’t help but eat them up everyday.
If you are new to Social Media and unsure which social networks to begin with, I would suggest sampling both Twitter and Facebook, for in their own ways, they will satisfy your social appetite.
Erin Ryan has a passion for Social Media and is currently working within the industry as a Social Media Specialist. Contact Erin on Twitter @4u2wear2
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Not a fan of drive thrus.
Hi Richard
That must make you a Facebook man. Thanks for the comment!
~Erin Ryan
Then what is myspace?
Hey Jody
MySpace…if used correctly can be useful, however as of right now many have over done it with their pages. It can be good for businesses if the page is made to be simple. If I were to use a metaphor for MySpace as of right now, it would be the old diner that people have forgotten about but was really good at one time.
With that said, MySpace is in a process of making changes that could hopefully restore the site to its past glory. Fingers crossed.
What would you call it?
~Erin Ryan
Excellent Article, Erin!
Right on the mark!
I love to sit at my computer,eat my lunch & read Facebook comments. It is like reading a newspaper……Without the ink on your finger’s…
Thanks Again,
Donna Ryan
Thanks Donna
I am very glad that you enjoyed the article and would have to agree that it is an added bonus to read articles via Social Media minus the ink texture on your hands. Thank you for your comment!
I love how you break down the differences between both of these sites. I find that twitter is the best for getting your social appetite filled. Facebook is solid, don’t get me wrong – But the dynamics are really different.. With all that said, where does Linkedin come into play? I would suggest that maybe its like the Pizza Delivery boy dropping of a Large Pepperoni. A lot of people just sit around and wait (like you do when you’re waiting for pizza) for their Linkedin account to result in some type of interaction or business lead.
Good Post Erin! Looking forward to reading some more of your work.
Hey Ross the CoolestCool
Great analogy of Linked in for sure. Although I think I would say it’s kinda like having din din at your in-laws. LOL. It can be great for business but it doesn’t stand up against Twitter or Facebook. I am appreciative that you enjoyed the read and look forward to interacting with you more in the near future
Keep being cool, keep being you!
~Erin Ryan
lol that’s awesome, I completely agree.
What a fantastic analogy! personally I love fast food most of the time, but my business partner prefers the wonderful service of the sit down restaurant. Between the two of us we have the full meal deal. I would say that just like any fast food, you have to target your followers on Twitter, to keep it more healthy, otherwise.. heartburn can happen…lol. Seriously, I think that you need both Twitter and Facebook to really make your social experience work well for you.
While I agree that Facebook and Twitter are indeed the powerhouses of the social media industry, may I suggest that for people to really use social media to their best advantage..to think in terms of the Smörgåsbord?
Very cool article and Thank you
@blogneta
Thanks John Paul
Hey Diane!
Thank you so much for your awesome comment! I am glad that you agree and enjoy the analogy. I too agree with you that Twitter and Facebook are both must-haves while using Social Media. I don’t remember what I did on the Internet prior to their existence LOL.