Social Media evolution or revolution ???
Social media is defined as "a group of Internet-based applications that build on the ideological and technological foundations of Web 2.0, and that allow the creation and exchange of User Generated Content”
(Kaplan& Haenlein, 2010)
In recent years, social media has transformed the whole nature of interaction among members in human society (Qualman, 2009). Undoubtedly, the immense effects of these new media have become evident in almost every facet of both individuals’ lives and business environment. As stated by Aral, Dellarocas, & Godes (2013), “social media are fundamentally changing the way we communicate, collaborate, consume, and create” (p.3). Due to its massive impacts on socio-economic aspects of human life, social media have gained incremental attention of scholars as an emerging and demanding research area in both academic and practical arenas.
Why research on Social Media?
- Continuously extraordinary growth of social media usage
- Social media are considered as a moving target
- Great opportunities for marketing activities and new businesses
- Enhancing collaboration among individuals as well as between individuals and companies