Get Clicked into the Social Networks

It doesn’t take a scientist to realize that online social networking is the new “it.” From individuals that enjoy catching up with old high school friends to multi-million dollar companies globally networking with company branches, popular sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace are being used daily. Each network differs and attracts individuals depending on specific interests.

Statistically Twitter demographically attracts individuals ages 45-54 (with ages 25-34 a close second) interested in the business and media realms. For instance, being a part of the American Red Cross Twitter network, individuals can receive updates regarding local or global natural disasters in seconds – meaning locations, damage status, and ways to help the cause are available in seconds. News stations, such as ABC and NBC, have found Twitter as a successful tool to receive first-hand information from on-scene reporters. The NBC station and individual NBC Twitter followers are able to receive a 140 character mobile text or instant message update within seconds of the reporter’s eye-witnessing incident. Twitter also offers individuals to receive notices of their favorite celebrities directly from the celebrity. So if it intrigues you to know that Ashton Kutcher (statistically the most “tweeted” celeb) is eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, you are a finger-click or a text message away from the desired information. Similar to Twitter, Facebook is a popular network to relay information to a diverse audience; however, Facebook is known as a more personal network.

Founded by Mark Zuckerberg in his Harvard dorm room six years ago, Facebook was initially created as a more sophisticated version of MySpace for college students to communicate to fellow college students across the nation. The network is still vastly used for individuals to convey personal information and communicate with family and friends; however, according to Facebook’s Press Room statistics, more than 950,000 developers and entrepreneurs from more than 180 countries are getting connected and finding the network as a successful marketing tool, hence the recently rapid demographic change from 18-24 to age 35 years and older. Now with more than 200 million active users, Facebook continues to be one of the most-used social networks.

Also popular with over 185 million users, MySpace has a 14-34 demographic, distinguishing it from other networks. MySpace allows users to personalize their “pages” more than Facebook and Twitter and has consistently captivated teens and young adults more than global corporations. Not to say that companies are not connecting with MySpace; however, the overall attraction relates more towards the entertainment industry with access to constant updates on rising bands and popular celebrity events. Each network has its own personal attractive touch, it truly depends on a specific individual interests

Waking up, the first thing I do is turn on my computer and check my various social network accounts. The ability to stay connected with my friends in the Netherlands, indulge in the latest celebrity gossip, and read about President Obama’s latest actions as our leader through easy to access social sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, or MySpace is convenient and, quite frankly, pure fun. Society is quickly becoming accustomed and dependent on the Web and for good reasons. To successfully grow, companies must adapt to what works and what works now is social networking. As social networks continue to progress so will we. Here at LIVE OC Magazine we feel it is important to stay connected to our readers not only through print, but Web based sites. Connected through a variety of social networks we are constantly giving our readers the opportunity to stay conversant in what we do best, Southern California entertainment. So stay connected with us through your preferred social network, we’ll be here.


Kayla Peek
LIVE OC
www.LIVEOCMAG.com