Social media on a joyride

Social media are synonymous with the adrenalin rush of today's youth brigade. How stirring in a cup of tea evolves into a massive twister can be learnt from the network effect of social media. Furthermore, the integration of Web with mobile platform has added more fervour to the social networking pulse. However, it has its pros and cons. The other day when an infamous MMS clip related to adventurous striptease of a colleague, recorded in a co-ed hostel of a reputed Indian university, took rounds over social networking sites and mobile phones, the critiques of technology preferred to pound over the carrier than questioning the tumultuous social trends that have evolved from the freedom of choice. Technology antagonists, in general, never understand the pain and efforts that have gone into the making of an innovative technology because neither they are part of the innovation tribe nor they have the mettle to understand the nuances, for that matter, anyone and everyone can wear the hat of a critique.

Well, though the context of social media is different here, the big picture is how effectively the social media can be used to increase the brand popularity, publicity, marketing, information sharing, and finally building a powerful virtual community that is more informed, intelligent, and ready to take the challenges of real life. A well-infomed virtual community is more powerful than an army of soldiers toiling along the border line of a nation.

For a start-up venture, the effective use of social media can increase awareness about the organization, build favourable perception about products and services, and help increase the customers base without even investing a lot.

Similarly, for social entrepreneurs social networking works as the most powerful tool to build consensus among netizens or social media users for a social cause. This is far more easier than sending thousands of emails and invitation letters to your audiences. Furthermore, it effectuates the objective of the mission in a fast and meaningful way.