The exchange of symbols and messages between individuals forms the basis of communication, often facilitated through various digital means such as texting and direct messaging on social media platforms.
Platform: The primary units through which we think about and use social media
Instagram
A popular social media platform where users can post photos and "like" others posts.
Twitter
A popular social media platform where individuals can "tweet" a message of 280 characters or less with anything they feel like posting.
Snapchat
A popular social media platform in which users are able to send pictures and chat with one another
Facebook
A popular social media platform where individuals can connect with friends, family, and strangers.
App
Cellphone or tablet access to social media applications by which to communicate with others
Website
Computer access to social media websites are platforms by which to communicate with others
Privacy: Maintaining individual knowledge and access to accounts and personal spaces.
Security
Security is fragile in the online world, and users must be wary to protect their security to the best of their ability.
Identity Theft
Users can fall victim to identity theft by sharing passwords, credit card, social security, and other private information.
Password Protection
Protection of passwords is key in maintaining a secure and private online presence, especially regarding social media platforms.
Data Breaching
Intentional or unintentional release of private information that could pose a threat to national security or individual security.
Hacking
If a user hacks another individual's private accounts, information can be obtained and leaked that can damage an individual's personal life.
Sociality: The way in which people associate with each other to form social relations and societies
Cancel Culture
A relatively new, controversial form of punishing people, mainly celebrities and public figures, for offensive actions or things they have said. Arguably a form of harassment.
Harassment
Harassment is prominent among social platforms, and is a primary topic when discussing the cons of social media.
Connectedness
Social media's primary feature is connction. It connects people from all over the world from all different backgrounds, and this connectedness is what makes it so revolutionary.
Groups
Associating with groups creates a shared way of thinking about a topic or interest, and provides connections to people with shared qualities
Scalable
Sociality can be scalable; able to measured. Scalable sociality can be measured by the way users interact with others on various social platforms.
Community: A certain share of communications regarding a shared quality or interest
Educational Groups
Groups provided by a school or other educational institute to converse about topics for educational use.
Fan Groups
Groups to converse about a shared interest in a celebrity, tv show, movie, or other forms of entertainment
Political Groups
Groups to converse about a shared political interest, such as a presidential candidate or political party.
Family
Social media allows increased connectivity between family members, regardless of distance
Friends
Social media allows increased connectivity between friends, regardless of distance.
Communication: Reciprocal process between at least two humans, in which symbols are exchanged and all interaction partners give meaning to these symbols
Direct Messaging
Messaging between two or more users that takes place within a social media platform
Internet Slang
A language of communication among internet users that includes phrases such as "LOL", "LMAO", "BRB", and many, many others.
Emojis
Keyboard feature used to convey meaning through symbols and small pictures.
Texting
The act of instantly messaging other individuals by way of cellular device or an app.
Gratification: A state of pleasure
Instant Gratification
Social media platforms, and especially Google, can provide users with instant gratification regarding answers to questions, and other desires users may have.
Companionship
Social media platforms can provide a sense of companionship to users, connecting them with others when they are lonely or bored.
Relaxism
Social media can be used as a form of relaxation for some users, with calming aesthetics and satirical content.
Escapism
Social media platforms can provide a means of escape from perhaps a hectic, unpleasant outside world.
