Platforms

According to dictionary.com social media is defined as "websites and other online means of communication that are used by large groups of people to share information and to develop social and professional contacts." When we think of platforms there are several that fit in this very broad definition.  There are thousands of apps being developed every day across several different platforms. Below is a list provided by Decidedly Social that categorizes platforms and gives examples of apps that are in that category. Most of us use at least one of these multiple times each day.

• Social networking sites- Facebook, Google Plus, CafeMom, Gather, Fitsugar
• Micro-blogging sites- Twitter, Tumblr, Posterous
• Publishing tools- WordPress, Blogger, Squarespace
• Collaboration tools- Wikipedia, WikiTravel, WikiBooks
• Rating/Review sites- Amazon ratings, Angie’s List
• Photo sharing sites- Flikr, Instagram, Pinterest
• Video sharing sites- YouTube, Vimeo, Viddler
• Personal broadcasting tools- Blog Talk radio, Ustream, Livestream
• Virtual worlds- Second Life, World of Warcraft, Farmville
• Location based services- Check-ins, Facebook Places, Foursquare, Yelp
• Widgets- Profile badges, Like buttons
• Social bookmarking and news aggregation- Digg, Delicious
• Group buying- Groupon, Living Social, Crowdsavings

It is interesting how intertwined many of these platforms are.  There are many times that Facebook will have a YouTube video or a groupon link. 

I have found that I don't use near as many platforms here in Logan.  Over the summer I lived in San Diego and group buying(Groupon) saved me hundreds of dollars on activities like deep sea fishing, kayak rentals, meals, and concerts.  It seemed like there was a groupon for nearly every business!  Here in Logan, it isn't as popular and there aren't near as many businesses involved. 

Location based services (check-ins, Yelp) is another platform that I used much more frequently when living in San Diego.  Yelp was my constant eating companion.  I wouldn't go anywhere without reading reviews and checking their ratings.  If a business didn't have many reviews, I wouldn't even consider it. Yelp is also my go to when it comes to staying at a hotel.  Often times there are reviews that disclose things like bed bugs and poor room service, so it is helpful and has a big impact on my booking decision.

One thing that wasn't addressed above is Transportation services such as Uber. Uber is a taxi-like company that employs people who drive their personal vehicles to transport customers.  When you sign up you put in your credit card and when you need a ride you simply pull up the app and find the nearest driver. It will state the dollar amount and your card is charged so you don't have to worry about paying later(tips are appreciated).  This was something I used every weekend and oftentimes we would meet with other people that would link up and Uber with us!  It is much cheaper than a cab and also a much cleaner feeling.