Social Media Tools

1. Texting

Texting has become one of the most rapidly growing forms of communication in the past decade.  It is described as the nonverbal communication between one mobile user to another.  Texting instead of calling can be timesaving.  Often when a phone call is placed, more conversation is had than what is absolutely necessary.  When the conversation is via text, fewer words are used, thus getting right to the point.  Information delivery is enhanced through texting not only by saving time but also by creating accuracy.  Often when words are spoke, misinterpretation occurs.  However, when text messaging is used and the words are typed, there is less room for error.  Auto correct is a tool that is used on most devices and automatically corrects the messages for the individual.  Auto correct is also a time saver.  On Apple products, another handy tool is dictation.  This tool allows users to speak their text messages into the phone and the device automatically converts the user’s words into text.  Another advantage of texting is that an individual can place votes, make donations, and receive coupons as well as store alerts through texts.  I believe that texting is one of the most effective and easiest forms of communication today. 

http://www.pbs.org/idealab/2012/01/pew-studies-the-power-of-text-based-donations-after-haiti-quake011/   

2. Mobile

Mobile incorporates the use of a cell phone for searching the web and downloading apps.  Launching a web browser via a mobile device is a timesaving technique.  It allows users to quickly navigate to the Internet without having to be on a desktop or laptop.  The individual does not have to be at their home with a wifi connection, which makes the use of mobile browsers much more convenient.  Several times while out running errands, I have needed an address or phone number for a business.  I immediately did a quick Google search for the business and was able to easily access the information.  In years past, I would have had to locate a phone book, which would have taken much longer.  Also, I can’t begin to count the number of times I have used the web on my phone for online shopping, reading news articles, and finding coupons quickly.  The use of a mobile device creates efficiency in the user’s life.  Another asset to using a mobile device involves the downloading of applications.  Millions of apps are available for download.  Society is constantly striving for timesaving techniques, and once again, apps provide just that.  For example, I often use the redbox app to rent movies.  Through the redbox app, I am able to browse the choice of movies or games, make my selections, and proceed with the transaction.  The redbox DVD is then waiting on me when I arrive at my local redbox location.   Through the redbox app, I am able to bypass typing in the website and logging into my account.  Since it is on a mobile device and mobile devices use location services, the app automatically locates where the user is and displays the closest redbox locations.

http://www.redbox.com/mobile

http://www.olivegarden.com/home

3. Twitter

“Twitter is an online social networking service that enables users to send and read short 140-character messages called "tweets".  Registered users can read and post tweets, but unregistered users can only read them (Wikipedia, 2014).”  One advantage of Twitter is that it can be a resource for developing a better understanding of a company while job searching.  Another advantage involves the breaking news that Twitter reports.  Users can easily find out what the rest of the population is talking about by viewing “what’s trending.”  This social media site can also provide information on a certain subject simply through using a hashtag.  Individuals can search for a hashtag, and several tweets that involve the hashtag will be displayed.  Twitter is also a social media platform that allows users to share their views and opinions and possibly just whatever is on their mind.  Twitter can be very beneficial for companies in today’s society as well, because a large number of the population is active on Twitter.  This platform can be an easy way to promote a professional brand, engage with consumers, and provide customer service to individuals in a cost-effective way. 

 

https://twitter.com/search?q=Ebola&src=tren&lang=en

References:

Heatwole, Anne-Ryan. "Idea Lab." PBS. PBS, 12 Jan. 2012. Web. 08 Oct. 2014.

"Redbox Mobile | Redbox Kiosk Locator | IPhone App, Android App and SMS | New Movie Releases on Your Mobile Device." Redbox.com. Redbox, n.d. Web. 08 Oct. 2014.

"Discover The New Olive Garden℠." Olive Garden Italian Restaurant. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Oct. 2014.

"Twitter." Twitter. Twitter, 9 Oct. 2014. Web. 9 Oct. 2014.

"New Media Tools." New Media Tools. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Oct. 2014.