Social Media

What is Social Media?

Social media is online content created by people using highly usable and scalable publishing technologies such as Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and Flickr. The proliferation of social media has brought a shift in how people discover, read and share news, information and content.

Social media technologies:

Social networking

A social network is an online community of people who share interests, or who want to explore the interests and activities of others. Individuals can add content and communicate on social networking sites by instant messaging, email, tagging photos and videos, adding comments, and more.

Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and LinkedIn are some of the most popular social networking sites available. Follow Web Services on Twitter to keep updated with major web developments at QUT and general web advice and tips.

Blogs

A blog (or weblog) is a shared online journal of regular entries by an individual or group. Readers can add comments and begin online two-way conversations about the blog entry's topic. Variations to text-based blogs include video blogs (vlogs), audio blogs (podcasting) and more.

The Web Services blog will keep you informed about news, discussion and collaboration on emerging digital technologies.

Microblogging

Microblogging allows users to send brief updates by text messaging, instant messaging, email, or the web. Twitter is a popular micro-blogging site, with other social networking sites having microblogging 'status update' features. Yammer is an enterprise microblogging tool for companies and organisations.

Photo sharing

Sites that provide easy photo sharing include Flickr and Photobucket.

Video sharing

Sites that provide easy video sharing include YouTube, Vimeo and 12 seconds.

Audio sharing

Sites that provide easy audio sharing include Last.fm.

Virtual worlds

Virtual worlds are computer-simulated, massively multiplayer online role-playing or real-life games. The user can interact with other individuals in the online space using avatars or by playing a specific character in a game. Second Life is an online 3D virtual world created and modelled by the people who use it.

Wikis

The QUT Wiki allows staff to collaborate in the online space. Learn more about the wiki or explore the wiki.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'Web 2.0' mean?

Web 2.0 is about people. It is the network as platform, spanning numerous connected devices, applications and systems. It is characterised by increased communication, participation and information sharing between users, content providers and enterprises. It is perceived as a second generation of web development encouraging users to collaboratively add value to the applications that they are using.

Can I use Twitter, Facebook, etc. for my division/organisation/faculty/school?

Yes you can, but before you do, you should consult the Digital Communication team to find out the best platform for you.

How can I incorporate social media into my QUT web site?

Social media will allow easier integration of social media content into QUT websites. To find out more, please contact the Digital Communication team.

Who do I contact about social media?

Contact the Digital Communication team to find out more about social media at QUT.