Entry 12

It is finally the last chapter of the semester and I must say, we have ended it on a good note! Throughout this whole journey, I have learnt a lot from the module. Initially, I only knew what the Internet was and it was for me to go online and do my research or just surf it during my pastime. 

After this module, I was opened to who was the creator of the web, who is none other than Mr Tim Berners-Lee himself. During the first week of lesson, we learnt about the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)and how it was helped to serve us people. 

In the beginning of the semester, I remembered Mr Choy asking us to do a simple survey on what we knew about the Internet. In it contained several aspects to what we have covered during the semester. I remembered vividly that of all the topics that were covered, I ticked "E-Commerce" as something that I was not too clear about and would love to learn more about it as we progressed into the module. Before the lesson, I thought that E-commerce had to do something about the internet and how organizations tap onto the Internet to do their business. But, to my surprise, it was not just about that. Hence, during the course, I looked forward to that chapter being covered and when it was finally covered, I finally knew what E-commerce was and how it was actually a growing industry, aiding many organizations out there to prosper. Also, when we had to do a blog entry about E-commerce, I decided to write on how to succeed in the E-commerce industry. It was quite interesting topic to do because I wanted to know how these businesses worked and what made them so successful! And because it was not covered during lecture, it was a good opportunity for me to research and write a post about it. 

Also in this module, we had to get into groups and pick a topic to present and it has to be linked to the Internet. My group mates and I had a unanimous decision on settling with "Online Dating" because it was a topic that we learnt in a previous module that we did. Hence, we had a brief understanding on the topic. However, though we had resources to refer to, we had to do more research on the Internet because what was covered very vague and we wanted to go more in-depth into Online Dating. After much struggle, we managed to pull through with the help of resources found on the Internet as well as real-life examples that we knew of. These sources really helped in guiding us through with the presentation details. It was fun while it lasted!

Learning about the Internet was surely not something that I was looking forward to in the beginning because I felt that it was a topic that was irrelevant to my major. However, I was wrong. Knowing what the Internet provides and the various measures about being secured on the net, was something that was extremely relatable and crucial. I honestly felt that I have indeed gained more knowledge than I had expected before this course. I am glad that I was able to have the opportunity to be in this class and many thanks to Mr Choy for being so patient with us throughout the semester! With all that I have said, it is time to bid our farewell and lastly, ALL THE BEST FOR THE FINAL PAPER!!

Entry 11

FUTURE OF THE INTERNET...

In my opinion, I would describe the future of the Internet to be a shining horizon. There is a bright future for the Internet. With the increasing use of the Internet in our daily lives, people NEED the Internet and thus, have constantly improved it as well. I am sure Tim Berners Lee would be proud to see his "baby" grow to such a successful "person"! Here are some examples of how the Internet has helped to generate various tools in helping us humans, have a more efficient lifestyle...

Today, people's lives revolve around the Internet and some of us fear that without it, we become "paralysed" or even, "handicap". Users also seek to be more interactive with the World Wide Web, trying to reach to it as if it was a realistic function. For example, the Internet has shown a vast improvement in terms of being "realistic" and this has been created. It is known as "Augmented Reality". Augmented Reality (AR) is a live,  view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented by sensory input such as GPS data. This form of reality enhances one's perception of reality and replaces the real world with simulated ones. Artificial information about the real world and its objects are being overlaid onto the real world. With the help of AR, people become more interactive and digitally manipulable. 

Lets take a look at this video!

SUPER COOL ISN'T IT!

This example shows how a user is able to use his iPad to download an application that the magazine provides and from there, he is able to see a 3D motion picture of the cars in the catalogue. This is done simply by downloading and application and hovering his iPad screen over the page. HOW COOL?! 

The second example would be none other than... GOOGLE GLASS. What is GoogleGlass? Here's a video to show YOU, WHAT GoogleGlass has to offer. Get ready to be "WOWED".

I KNOW RIGHT... How awesome is GoogleGlass!!! WAYYYY COOOOOOL!!! GooglGlass is by far the SMARTEST technology device ever made and it is indeed, out to make your lives a whole lot more efficient and fuss free. With GoogleGlass, people have everything they need with just a scroll of a button, or a command of a voice. Remember in the video when the man walked to the subway and GoogleGlass immediately notify him that the subway service was closed? Okay, now remember what happened next? GoogleGlass immediately rectify his problem by giving him a direction that he can take by foot! This is extremely useful because in our lives today, we are constantly exploring various places and who here can say that they rely on a street directory to look for their location? NONE. Everyone gets to their location with ease nowadays thanks to GoogleMap and with that in hand, people can get around much easier with how user friendly GoogleMap is and how it is able to guide you with voice commands whilst travelling towards your destination. 

Thus, the future for Internet is not bleak at all and it is in fact, constantly improving and growing. I am fortunate to be born in this generation whereby the Internet is so readily accessible for us. Imagine having to go to the library just to look for a book when I can search it up online and download an "E-book" instead? Talk about being SAVVY!

Entry 10

Journalism has indeed been affected by the Web 2.0. In today's context, people are always on-the-go, even a simple action of picking up a newspaper can be time consuming. Hence, people have turned to the web to read the news and be updated with what is currently happening.

Personally, I reckon that the Internet has made journalism worse but in a way, better. In the past, journalists would have to go to a scene, go back to the office to write up the article and then head to the printer's office to get it printed. All these were somewhat of a hassle for journalist as it was time consuming and when time was hindering their efficiency in printing the story, it also meant that people have to wait for the story to be printed in order to know what happened.

(Old New York Times)

(Online New York Times)

With the increased amount of users on the web, journalist seek to post their news on the web for these people. This is because with the busy schedule of our lives these days, people are searching for quick and efficacy when going about doing their daily routines. 

Technology has helped to improve stories and made them more newsworthy. Utilising social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, it provides a snapshot of events happening around the world. For example, when a journalist finds something to write about, he/she would snap a picture and post it on the Straits Times Facebook page and everyone would be able to see it in seconds once it is being uploaded. This provides a first-hand witness of the story and furthermore, it offers analytical perspective from the ground faster than print or what television can provide. This in turn, helps to make the story more newsworthy. Also, it can increase awareness much faster from the public. 

Twitter has also changed the way journalism works. Twitter is also known as "micro-blogging" which meant that people are able to churn out their news within a limit of a 140 characters. Journalist again would snap pictures or post links to the actual article using Twitter. Because Twitter is being used by the mass, posting snippets of their articles there would meant that it would cover a greater mass of population who will read their articles as compared to posting it on print where only a minority would get to read it. 

It is undeniable that people are going to have a debate on how the Internet has destroyed businesses for newspaper companies. However, we have to bear in mind that because technology has been advanced and so has the demographics of people in the world has changed, it is only appropriate for us to adapt to change, since "change" is always considered "good". 

Entry 9

Communication is key especially when you are involved in a political party. It is of upmost importance that you are constantly connected with the people of your nation, to be able to hear and be updated of what the citizens want. This importance is further being stressed when the General/Presidential Elections occur because the future politician/president is determined by the people. In addition, people will only vote for a candidate that is trustworthy, credible and lastly, secure. However, the most important trait he/she should possess is none other than being able to "Communicate" effectively across all demographics. 

Indeed, utilising various methods such as television broadcast, radio broadcast or advertisements on billboards may increase likability, but such methods do not necessarily work anymore. In today's context, it is the future of communication that wins the battle. An extremely good living example would be American President, Barack Obama. Obama has undertook his campaigns into future communication methods by embracing the Internet, using it as a platform for his presidential campaign. Obama has navigated social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook to multimedia social networks such as Youtube during the presidential campaigns. 

Firstly, starting up a blog or Twitter account is simple. But making yourself known is another factor altogether. However, lucky for Obama, he was able to make himself known to the public with his social media platforms. Having over 1.5 MILLION friends on MySpace and Facebook and over 45,000 followers on Twitter, Obama is able to communicate with the people 24/7, sending live post every minute, updating his followers about what there is to expect during the presidential campaign.

Because Youtube videos have no time limit to them, it is possible to upload a full hour clip on it and further enhanced the quality with High Definition. In addition, the popularity of Youtube amongst the population has risen greatly and because Youtube videos are made public, it gives access to any person who wishes to watch the video. Obama has also made sure that his video qualities look good and sound as good as the ones that is being aired on television so that his speeches would be able to resonate with the people watching them. More than often, the bulk of the citizens that uses Youtube or Twitter would be the Young adults and because these group of demographics are heavy uses of the Web 2.0, Obama has indeed done his homework to tap on these social networking sites to connect with these young adults through the use of Youtube and Twitter. 

(Obama's weekly address found on Youtube)

Barack Obama is constantly in search of doing his best in communicating and connecting with his people. By initiating a website to connect with the people, the site has to be user-friendly in order for all demographics to use with ease and needless to say, Obama delivered. He created a website known as the "My.BarackObama.com" The websites allows users to log onto the site by creating their own profile, join groups, participate in fundraising and arrange events which are all similar to what you see on Facebook and MySpace. 

Ultimately, Obama has changed the way people look at America and he has definitely changed the way YOUNG  adults view political and presidential campaigns. With the use of social networking sites, Obama is just a "click" of a button away from his people and with that, they are constantly updated 24/7 with news occurring at any point in time. Also, with the use of the Web 2.0, not only does Obama has a voice in his presidential campaigns and weekly addresses, the people too are able to have a say on these platforms, thus creating interactivity between the people and Obama. 

Entry 8

Multimedia has made its way into the Internet. Multimedia can be in the form of music, video and animation. I believe Youtube is no stranger to any of us. Youtube is a platform whereby people are able to upload their videos made by them. For example, it can range from music that they have covered, make-up tutorials, how to play online games to just uploading a video of their everyday lives.

Personally, Youtube has become MY own form of entertainment. When I am bored or taking a break from studying, I turn to Youtube for entertainment. Due to its wide array of videos, I am able to choose what type of videos I want to see.  Not only is Youtube a form of entertainment, Youtube has also made people famous.

For example, the oh-so-popular Justin Bieber. Justin Bieber started out as a humble little boy who just happen to upload one of his music video that he did. Soon after, a producer spotted him on Youtube whilst surfing through videos and the rest is history. Today, many unknown people have become known because of Youtube and have become Youtube sensations with the videos that they post. My personal favorite channel that I subscribe to on Youtube is the “Shaytards”. The Shaytards is a typical American family but because of Youtube, they have now revolved around “vlogging” which is a term for video-blogging. Hence, every day, they would have a video about their daily activities and sharing it with the world. Not only did people overseas got famous, Singaporeans are tapping into the Youtube industry to gain popularity as well! For example, this dynamic duo who go by the name of "Munahhirziofficial" has since become a top hit amongst teenagers. Due to their constant upload of videos relating very closely to the current news happening in Singapore, it is very relatable and with the touch of humour in their videos, it adds that bit of entertainment in them. For instance, the general election that took place 2 years ago.

Because Youtube is such a hit with the public, everyone logs onto Youtube at least once a day in search of videos either for entertainment purposes or educational purposes. Hence, multimedia has made the Internet more exciting and entertaining for people these days and it has indeed added another purpose for people to surf the Internet as well!

Entry 7

Personally, I feel that Internet security is paramount especially in today’s society whereby security issues such as hacking, phishing, viruses, worms and spy-wares are occurring daily. It is to my dismay that the society is not doing anything to stress on the importance of Internet security. In today’s context, majority of young adolescent are fortunate enough to afford laptops and computers, and hence, are expose to the Internet. However, they are not being educated to protect themselves from being attacked by viruses and people hacking their personal accounts. Throughout my entire education period, though there were computer classes, I remember vividly that there were no occasions whereby we were taught on Internet security and were only taught on HOW to use computer applications. It was only when I took COM125 that I start to know about the various security measures that I could take to prevent myself from being one of those innocent victims.

Today in class, we learnt various types of security measures that we could utilise to keep our computers virus free and prevent issues such as hacking and phishing from occurring.

Firstly, firewall is a software or hardware-based network security system that controls the incoming and outgoing network traffic. It is done by analyzing the data packets and whether or not they should be allowed through, based on a system known as an applied rule set. To many, this may sound a bit confusing but it is simply a "wall" located in your computer network to block off unknown sites or software that you may encounter while surfing the net, from entering your computer system. This is to prevent any unknown viruses and problems from occurring.

Secondly, surveillance monitoring of computer activity is when data stored on a hard drive, or being transferred over computer networks such as the Internet is being, well "surveyed" or "monitored". Network surveillance programs are widespread today, and almost all Internet traffic is or could potentially be monitored for clues to illegal activity or viruses. 

Lastly, anti-virus software is to prevent, detect and remove malware such as computer viruses, malicious cookies or worms. Anti-virus softwares must be installed in every computer and they are always recommended upon purchase of your computer/laptops. It is usually done so to extend the life span of your computer/laptop and prevent it from crashing due to the unfortunate circumstance whereby your computer/laptop is being attacked by viruses or malware.

Another thing that people should do is to be aware and alert when they are surfing the Internet. They should always be aware of what domains are safe for browsing and what domains may be at risk of infecting their software with viruses. Just because the website ends off with a “.sg” or “.com” does not always mean that it is safe. Some websites are not as credible as you think they are. Not only are these dangerous domains a concern for individuals, but also a concern for the country. When these dangerous Internet domains are lurking in Singapore, it does not pose a good reputation to the country and it could possibly affect businesses in Singapore who rely on e-commerce for their business. This in turn, lowers the trustworthiness between investors and Singapore.

If you were to follow the news, a recent incident has occurred in Singapore. A group known as the “Anonymous” has started hacking private accounts of people who high post in Singapore. This group of people are threatening the government due to how they are unhappy about some infrastructure issues that the government implements on its citizens. They have since declared war with political parties in Singapore and would not show mercy to any government officials who ignores them. Victims such as the Prime Minister, Singapore Police Force as well as famous celebrities in Singapore have all fallen into trap and whose accounts have been totally wrecked by the “Anonymous”. 

Because Internet security is not being stressed as an importance, the public takes this issue lightly. However, with the recent happening of the “Anonymous”, the public has been enlightened that indeed, it is POSSIBLE that they, could be the next victims. Therefore, with these security measures discussed today, I hope that it can come in handy for all of you reading out there to start taking measures to prevent yourself from falling prey.

Entry 6

This was a video that my best friend and I decided to do for one of our friend's birthday surprise. It was quite an impromptu decision because we did not planned on doing it that day. However, because time permits, we decided to do it! The whole process was so fun and entertaining we couldn't contain our laughter and straight faces as the video was being recorded. Enjoy!

Entry 5

THE ADVANTAGES OF E-LEARNING

E-learning has become the 21st century's mode of learning for many students these days. It is not only efficient and effective, but it is also environmentally safer and it is low cost too!

Lets start off with a video:

I am sure after viewing this video, you are more aware of what the advantages are towards utilising E-learning and the benefits of what E-learning can provide us. 

Firstly, E-learning is low cost. There appears to be little doubt that e-learning can be more cost effective than classroom based training, especially for larger organizations. This is because larger organizations tend to require more manpower and staffs to be trained in order to keep the organization in place. E-learning ca deliver this cost effective benefits because:

• Learners are able to go online with a click of a button, and learn at their own pace. This is the number 1 reason why E-learning is much more effective than classroom based learning. Learners do not have to feel the need to be competitive or constantly be on par with their classmates because learning is now entitled to them at their own time, own pace. 
• With E-learning, classroom time can be spent on raising queries about questions that students may not understand. This helps to maximize time as time is not wasted on solely teaching the syllabus.
• Time spent on travelling is also reduced! In today's context, people are constantly complaining about time wasted on travelling. Hence, E-learning reduces that and people are able to work On-the-go, which in turns, maximises time on learning instead of travelling. 

However, the question is, is E-learning effective? A research literature study published by Fletcher and Tobias in 2000, concluded that ‘Learners learn more using computer-based instruction than they do with conventional ways of teaching, as measured by higher post-treatment test scores.'  This study noted that learning gains have been found in:

• learners’ scores on tests, certifications or other evaluations
• learners who achieve ‘mastery’ level and or ‘pass’ exams
• learners’ ability to apply new knowledge on the job
• long-term retention of information

The above evidently proves that E-learning DOES in fact work for people! It does helps to improve the ability of one's aptitude in learning as well as improving a person's cognitive ability to retain knowledge as well. Hence, this is a great value asset for these learners as they are gaining something valuable. 

Lastly, E-learning is definitely much more environmentally safer. Think about the number of trees that has to be cut down because selfish human beings constantly need fresh paper to print their notes and documents. With E-learning, people can utilise online mediated outlets like Google Hangout, Google Docs, E-mail, synchronous classrooms and other web-based tools to learn. E-learning IS one definite effective way of reducing carbon footprint, protecting mother nature. 

Hence, this is how E-learning are beneficial to our lives and all of us should learn to adopt it as it proves to not only cut cost, increase effectiveness and one's capability but also, helps protect the environment. 

Entry 4

E-COMMERCE: 

This week we learnt about E-commerce and why people venture to the web to start businesses. E-commerce to begin, involves digitally enabled commercial transactions between and among organizations and individuals. These digitally enabled transactions include all transactions mediated by digital technology and commercial transactions involve the exchange of value across organizational or individual boundaries in return for products or services.

There are different types of E-commerce as well and are classified into 2 groups:
1. Nature of market relationship:

• Business - to - Consumer (B2C)
• Business - to - Business (B2B)
• Consumer - to - Consumer (C2C)

2. Classified by type of technology used:

• Peer - to - Peer (P2P)
• Mobile Commerce (M-commerce)

Though they are being categorized into specific groups, these businesses all have one thing in mind and that is to hope to gain success and recognition after setting up their businesses. There are many successful  E-commerce businesses in the market today and they have strived hard to be where they are at today. Want to know how exactly these businesses do it? Well, you are in luck if you want to find out the tricks of the trade that successful businesses utilize to gain success. I am going to present to you just 5 simple tips to become a global E-commerce success!

Adapted from Forbes , these were 5 steps that they adviced for E-commerce to pick up in order for their business to be successful not just locally, but GLOBALLY. As people venture into the web to start businesses, ideally it would be good to have a reputation locally but why people use the web? That is also because not only do they want to be successful locally, they would also want to uphold a reputation globally. To bring awareness to foreign investors and potential shareholders. Hence, without further a do, these are the 5 tips for global E-commerce success:

1. Flexible Pricing:

Note that we not only want to be successful locally, but the keyword in this is GLOBAL. Thus, the wider you sell your products, the wider the market is and you have to constantly be aware about changes. For example, if you were to sell your product at RM50 in Malaysia, converting that to Singapore dollar comes up to about $25 SGD. However, competitors in Singapore might price their product at $25, so even though you are priced in the local currency, you are not pricing it competitively and price conscious shoppers will abandon your site for a competitor's. 

2. Currencies Are Confusing!

Have you ever chance upon an item online but when you looked at the price it was in a total difference currency, having you to go through the hassle to convert it yourself? Having unfamiliar currencies on your E-commerce website can be rather confusing to a lot of people and can end up leaving abandonment of online shopping carts. In order to curb this situation from occurring, set prices in every relevant currencies to ease the hassle for your customers. 

3. Price Presentation:

If you are aware of the famous Japanese brand Daiso, you would probably understand that every single item be it big or small are all priced at just $2. Believe it or not, rounding numbers up can make a psychological difference to consumers and exchange rates can cause friendly-looking price figures to be less rounded, awkward-looking numbers. For example, if you were to tell a person the price of the item is $2387 rather than a more friendly-looking price of $2300, just by doing so, you are already increasing your E-commerce friction. In order to help your customers have ease of purchasing an item, always place prices in clean, round numbers to further simplify their purchase decision-making process.

4. Local Payment:

Allowing your customers to pay in a method that they are aware and familiar about increases revenue and decrease friction. This is because by asking your customers to pay in a way that they are not accustomed to will cause suspicion and draws them away from purchasing your products. You should always work in a way that you know works best for them. Remember, your customers always come first, they are your money makers!

5. Taxes:

By showing taxes on your website that is familiar with your customers, helps them create less suspicion about your business and helps increase credibility as well. However, because some countries vary in their taxes, it creates legal points. For example, in the U.S, sales tax is added to the marketed price and varies globally as well as within their individual states. However in Europe, the (VAT) also known as Value Added Tax, is a tax on the perceived value of a product, so it is marketed as a component of the final price. 

After reading through the 5 steps, it did not seem as complicated as it was initially wasn't it! These are ideally the top five important steps that Forbes recommended for all businesses that is thinking to about setting up E-commerce to pay attention to. With these five steps adhered to, the success of your business should be escalating in no time. 

Thus, in conclusion, I leave you my friends with a note to drive you and even myself to strive to succeed. If Steve Jobs can do it... SO CAN WE!!!

Entry 3

Its week 3 of COM 125 and this week we learnt about what SOCIAL NETWORKING was all about and how it became an asset in our lives. As time passed, social networking sites evolved, overtaking one another (For eg; Facebook took over Friendster) and coming out with all sorts of ideas to put themselves in the "social networking" market.

Ever wondered which are the Top 15 most popular networking sites?! According to Top 15 Most Popular Networking Site , the results are as follows:

After chancing upon this website, I was enlightened that Facebook was Number 1! All these while I have always thought that Google would be the Number 1 social networking site due to Google+ and all the functions of what Google+ has to offer in hopes of bringing people from different geographical areas closer.

Indeed, social networking sites has brought us many positive effects in our lives, but the question is, what are the cons about social networking? Many would believe that social networking sites would probably not cause any harm because well, social networking is technically socialising which is a positive thing right? However, upon searching on the negative effects of social networking, it has been brought to light that it sometimes isn't quite ideal as it seems.

Adapted from this website, Social Networking Pros&Cons , it displays the downside of social media and how people should be aware about. Here are a few cons about social media:

Shocking? The list goes on to say more about how people who spend time networking on social media tend to commit more crime and how it leads to social ISOLATION instead! I must admit it was really interesting to find out these issues that the social media causes to one's life and some of which are happening right now to people whom I know. Thus, it is happening in our society today and somehow, in my opinion, though social media can be a positive asset in networking, it can be a detriment to our lives and people should have the discipline to know when to draw the line. Being an addict to social media is not ideally a good thing and one must be able to understand on what is merely "surfing" social networking sites and what is "obsessed".

Upon reading this website, I have also learnt something new! Have you ever wondered why your test grades do not improve no matter how much effort, revision and time you put into studying for it According to the website above, it is said that "Students who used social networking sites while studying scored 20% lower on tests and students who used social media had an average GPA of 3.06 versus non-users who had an average GPA of 3.82." SO..... now we know what is the core problem do we my fellow friends? In all honesty, I have to admit that I am 100% guilty of this action. Personally, I usually have to work on my laptop and when I get a little bored and tired from studying, I would just click on the tab and go to Facebook/Tumblr/Pinterest etc. to "de-stress". Conversely, if I am working on a report on paper, my phone is beside me and the thought of having to "update" myself with Instagram/ Whatsapp/ Twitter is undeniable an inevitable action. Thus, after reading the article, I understand clearly that I do not have to change the way I study, instead, try kicking the habit of constantly checking my social networking sites every other second. Let's all try this and see if it will reflect positive results! :D

Hence, I would like to enlighten all of you that social media is sometimes not what we think they are and though it is a good thing to have, we must be aware of the dangers it pose and how we should maintain a healthy social media relationship. I end here with a video on these couple explaining the different types of photos people take on Instagram. Enjoy!

Entry 2

SOCIAL MEDIA!

I cannot deny, I am officially married to my iPhone because of the various social media that is lurking in my phone. Social media has evolved into something so powerful that it has literally taken over our lives. No doubt, it may sound like a bad thing that we are losing touch with reality but in fact, it is actually a good thing. People argue that it is a bad thing because with social media, privacy is being minimised and the public is aware about your every move. However, on the contrary, it has helped built businesses as well as fame for some! 

Social media platforms has helped people in their everyday lives, businesses as well as a form of entertainment for people. In this day and age, people are constantly on social media because it has become a routine to "tweet", "instagram" and "foursquare" about their locations, food they eat and the location in which they are doing their current activity. I must admit I am guilty for doing these various actions because it has somehow moulded into my daily "activity" that I do. In addition, it has become a hobby to some to do things like this on social media.

(My very own Instagram account in which I post activities that I do)

Another social media platform that has taken over the lives of people is none other than Facebook. Facebook has now become not only a page whereby people post their activities and photos and update their profile about themselves, but it has become a social network site where people gain fans,popularity as well as building branding for their companies. Amazing isn't it! Because of its user-friendliness in creating pages and events on Facebook, it has been the most convenient platform to market yourself or a product. Small business such as blogshops has utilised Facebook event pages and fan pages to increase their branding and popularity. 

(The Tinsel Rack is a local blogshop in which utilised Facebook to gain customer as well as brand awareness)

Blogshops like The Tinsel Rack has successfully gained the brand awareness they needed and are now doing extremely well thanks to Facebook. As you can see from the image above, they manage to gain a total of 48,012 likes for their page and definitely counting. Thus, social media has helped people be more open to business opportunities because they are aware that with a powerful networking site like Facebook, they would probably be able to succeed just like any businesses with pages on Facebook.

Also, social media has also increase communication. For example, what I am doing now (Blogging) is a perfect example of how people communicate through social media. Whatever I post on my blog, the public is allowed to comment back and I reciprocate by replying their comment under the comment box. As simple as it is. Blogs, Tumblr, Formspring, Ask.fm etc are all various sources in which people engage to communicate/network with one another. Another example could be if I am interested in a particular actor and everyday I read his blog, and one day I decide to comment on his entry and he replies me. This example portrays to us how social media helps us to connect with people we may/may not have relational ties with and this helps us to be closer to them in a way. 

Social media has also help in building a community! Usually, organizations tend to use social medias to build community for people in that organization to join. Hence, the organization does not have to go through the hassle of mass sending letters to the people about a Homecoming event, but instead, could access Facebook for example, and post about a Homecoming event happening at the end of the day. For example, I joined a community in Facebook and it was the University at Buffalo. I got updates on the events that were happening on their campus and recently, President Obama paid a visit to the campus at Buffalo!

Thus, this sums up about how social media has been a powerful source in helping us to not only be entertained but also bringing us closer to one another as well as aiding in business growth.