The Formula of Social Media

         When considering social media there are several patterns that are apparent. These patterns or formulas are about different areas of social media and networking. The large focus on social media tends to be about the individuals utilizing these media sites for networking. There are formulas involved for the creation of these projects and the “life” of the websites themselves. With all objects its creation begins somewhere and its “life” is what varies. I believe that social media follows this formula as well.

            Projects, whether they be internet based or not, being with an idea. The creators for these websites begin with an idea. The idea leads to brainstorming and development. In the article “How to Start a Social Networking Site,” the author suggests deciding what you want your social network to offer, what you want it to look like and what you want the members to be able to do, and who the web host should be (How Stuff Works, 2012). Once this has been decided the creator begins the development stage. The developing involves creating your site based on the decisions the creator has made about the sites abilities. Once the site has been created and members are sought after the site moves into a different stage.

            In the formula for social media we have began with an idea, moved to development and created the website. What comes next in the formula is about growth. With all social media there seems to be a formula with the growth of a website. The website begins with a gaining trust from its members followed by steady growth; these websites gain popularity and gain more members. After what can generally be considered an influx of members the social media site remains steady. As we have seen with MySpace these websites can also lose momentum. It is up to the creator of the website to maintain its members and appeal for its members (Social Media Today, 2011.) The loss of momentum can occur because a newer media site is available, or because issues arise with the original site. MySpace lost momentum for two reasons according to TIME; these are the bombarding of ad’s to net-workers and a failure to innovate (Time Techland, 2011).

            Following the gaining of members, the website must maintain itself. The next step in the formula is survival. From TIME we can see that the websites must be innovative (Time Techland, 2011). The reasons why members choose to move from one site to the next is what the other site can offer. Being innovative is necessary for long term survival. Something that Facebook, Pinterest and Google+ tried to do was to put a stipulation on how you could enter into this social media website. This gained ultimate appeal for future members. Facebook initially only offered entrance based on what college you attending. Following this Facebook chose to make the website free and open to all. Though the website is now available to any who wish to create a page, some countries are still waiting to have an area for them created. Facebook keeps the desire up. For Pinterest and Google+ members must be invited by other members. By creating a desire for the website, and being innovative with their draw in, these sites are trying to gain an edge on the others.

            Social networking and social media is a large part of our daily lives. We often consider our personal formula’s in social networking. Though our dedication to these websites is important for their survival it is interesting to understand what is happening behind the scenes. From the idea to the survival of a created site, there are many steps involved in its development. The final step in the formula following survival is “life” or “death” so to speak. Though we have not yet seen MySpace come to an end, had it not been bought with new investors, it is possible that we could have seen its demise. I think for all, the end is never in sight for Facebook, but what about Google+? We will never know what the minds behind the sites are thinking, but I am sure we will be able to see how they are faring based on the amount of people discussing them at the water cooler.

 

References

How Stuff Works. (2012). How to Start a Social Networking Site. Retrieved on April 29, 2012

            from: http://computer.howstuffworks.com/internet/social-networking/information/start-

            social-networking-site2.htm\

Social Media Today. (2011). Social Networking Growth Stats and Patterns. Retrieved on April

            29, 2012 from: http://socialmediatoday.com/amzini/306252/social-networking-growth-

            stats-and-patterns

TIME Techland. (2011). Could What Happened to MySpace Happen to Facebook? Retrieved on

            April 29, 2012 from: http://techland.time.com/2011/07/15/could-what-happened-to-

            myspace-happen-to-facebook/2/