Is Social Media Old News?

By Beth J. Bates, New Media Special Correspondent

I've been speaking with several colleagues recently who think that social media has run its course — that no new technology is likely to emerge that makes social media significantly better without fundamentally changing the face of the web as we know it.

I understand this point of view, but I don't think the phenomenon is in danger of dying just yet. This thing we call social media has encompassed audio, video, blogging, micro-blogging, community building, email … the list goes on. What could possibly come next? I communicate through Twitter, email, Facebook, instant message, SMS texting and social communities, and I'm having a hard time keeping up. But even if the rate of technological change is slowing down, social media is here to stay. On any given day, I use a wide variety of social media tools, and I can't imagine giving them up:

• Facebook has re-connected me with high school friends, professional colleagues and even new customers, and it continues to provide me with entertainment and marketing value.
• Twitter still gives me instant access to my staff, colleagues and customers. And it remains the fastest way to receive breaking news.
• Although I don't use LinkedIn as much as I should, it does give me access to a huge community of professionals in my field who continue to assist and support my daily questions, insights and challenges.
• My blogs are a daily outlet for sharing industry info and personal experiences. They also keep me connected to my audience and customers.

In my life, at least, the heart of social media is alive and beating. And while individual tools may change or die, social media will live on as long as we continue to connect and share using technology.

Beth J. Bates consults with Hinge on social media tool selection and strategy and helps its clients find effective ways to leverage these new mediums to meet business goals.