The influx of web communities such us Facebook, Twitter, Zimbio and Wikia is thought provoking; and one is compelled to think whether it is a myth or a reality? The truth is that it might be a myth, because many people do not fully understand why these web communities exist and how they can fully enjoy the endless possibilities that they offer. On the other hand, a reality because it is a dream come true: providing a social networking avenue where lots of people around the globe can communicate, making the world a global village. This report highlights the relationship between social media in journalism and intuitive web communities.
Assessing the performance of web communities in the USA in 2008 shows that there are five strong social media avenues (online communities); Facebook, Twitter, Zimbio, Multiply and Wikia. (Data sourced from CNET). Others include, Virtual Community, Dilicious, LinkedIn, UNYK, Reddit, Youtube, hi5, News Vine, Stumble upon, Digg and Mixx. How many, at a time, can one use? An influx indeed.
Until recently, 'Facebook' was probably the most popular around the world, but 'Twitter', surprisingly topped the chart in US only, for the year to February 2009.
''Twitter is the fastest-growing "member community" site in the US, posting an uplift in user numbers of 1,382%
for the year to February 2009, meaning it was well ahead of more established rivals including Facebook on this
measure.'' (Data sourced from CNET; through WARC - www.warc.com. 23 March 2009)
Zimbio, an interactive magazine web community, is rated second. ''In terms of overall growth, Zimbio, a social media site billing itself as an "interactive magazine", took second place, with its number of unique users in the US rising by 240% from 809,000 to 2.8 million.'' (Data sourced from CNET; through WARC - www.warc.com. 23 March 2009)
''Facebook was in third spot overall, with an improvement of 228%, but dominates in terms of user numbers, which rose from 20 million in February 2008 to 66 million a year later.'' (Data sourced from CNET; through WARC - www.warc.com. 23 March 2009).
For me, the position of Facebook is quite unassuming. However, this is just the US market. Worldwide, Facebook currently has about 175 million users and is now the most popular social networking site.
Identifying the role of these communities means demystifying social media from industrial media. While some serve as music, video, and photo portals, others serve as forum for interacting, chatting, socializing, sharing news and discussions.
Facebook, is an interactive web community owned by Zuckerberg. My experience with Facebook as a user, gives me the opportunity to engage in social networking for free, interact with other Facebook members through the exchange of messages, personal profiles and information and pictures.
Almost everyday, I log on to Facebook, UNYK and hi5. I realize that they are all doing the same thing, with slight difference. These three communities, help me get in touch with old siblings, friends, mates, business partners, lecturers, and even my students. Now i am in touch with over 200 friends and loved ones.
The relationship that exist between journalism and web communities is supposed to be quite cordial, but . . . The reality in Africa is that many people would like to render and share stories and news among friends but do not have social media tools like digital / video cameras and skills. Mobile phones are probably being under utilized in this respect and unfortunately people just do not know that they can start as amateur journalist. All they do then is to peddle personal stories( not community/social issues) by way of gossip in chat forum or in a short mail. Not forgetting the issue of confidentiality. People do not create news as formal as a newspaper journalist would because even the skill of writing is a problem. Among professional journalists, news and info could be prepared and wired/circulated to reach a wider audience faster. But I dont think that is happening in Facebook. Rather, 'Multiply' and 'Youtube' are more journal focused than others i use. Facebook could serve as a platform to expand the dissemination of news stories, created by amateur journalists(any user) from around the world. But the implications are likely to threaten ethics in journalism and new media. The big question is, is that the focus of Facebook and hi5, Dilicious and Digg? This relationship is still a myth.
Commenting on Mr. Fosu's answers, I would say that his argument is likely to tilt if he begins to use his favourite web communities more actively.
I enjoy your analysis very much. It's a good point; are network societies reality or just a myth. Cyberspace, what is that REALLY? I am one of those fortunate ones who lives in a city, close to a lot of people (including friends and family), my work is where I live and the community at large is just "outside my door". Yet it's fun to correspond with even those friends that live close by via facebook, share photos etc. It's just an addition to what I would have anyway, a fun contribution in my life. Useful also professionally. Yet, I could easily live with out facebook; I do not NEED it.
ReplyDeleteBut how about people who are hindered from normal, active life for what ever reason? people with physical handicaps, that are not mobile, physically or mentally hindered, people who live in remote areas? Or people who are very scared of face to face social contacts, people who are depressed and extremely lonely? Some studies indicate that social networks are life savours for tons of people, if not life saving but have a major positive contribution to peoples lives. It is in this sense only a very, very good thing that they exist.
Thank you very much Annuka, for your comments and contributions. I will follow up on the search for networks in the Facebook. I had to answer Participatory Media in the blog and discussion panel because the Assignment field was blocked. I look forward to finishing UNIT 3. Thank you. Yaw gyau
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