So What's Next for Social Media?

So what's next for social media? I thought it was a good follow up question after declaring the Internet dead. Well, then again, I'm not sure if I declared it dead, or just dead to some. Maybe that is the question I should be asking and answering here, but I'm not. Maybe next time.

As of today, Myspace has totally relaunched itself as a place for entertainment. Okay, what part of that is social media? You can still have a personal and band page on myspace, but I don't see the thrust towards being a future leader in the social media realm. What attracts a user to come to myspace to meet, network, or otherwise? Nothing.

There are already numerous sites across the web that offer users entertainment news, updates, features and special access to celebrities. Most of these sites offer you a free membership where you can sign in to get updates direct to your email or mobile device. I don't think having the option of having a personal page on Myspace will make much of a difference or help separate it from other sites that already provide that kind of content.

So what about Facebook or Twitter? Are they really any better? They are both free of content pur say, as in they don't offer or feature entertainment news or otherwise, but what do they offer to the user.

I would say that Facebook has become the place for friends. Sorry Myspace, but it's true. If you want to connect with friends, both former and new, or with colleagues it's the place to be. But what if you are a business or a band? Is this the best place to spend your social media time. My experience says no. Facebook users seem to only be concerned with those that they directly know. If you are outside of their personal sphere they almost always will ignore your friend requests. So what's so social about that? I can already call, write, email or visit those vary people. Do I need a website to do this for me. No.

So that leaves Twitter. As far as my discussion for today goes, I only decided to talk about the three most well known social media sites. So what about Twitter, what if anything separates it from the other two? It is fast and easy to use. Micro blogging in 140 characters or less is very appealing to those of us on the go. Yet again though, the same question arises that I have with Facebook, who are you tweeting with? Are you just tweeting with friends and co-workers? There are a lot of businesses on twitter, not to say there are not on Myspace or Facebook, but they seem to be more visible on Twitter then anywhere else. Are you using twitter to keep up with what a venue or restaurant is doing that day, in a way, that that you don't use Myspace or Facebook. I do think users are doing this. I think users feel like they don't have to have a personal relationship to follow a band or business on twitter.

With all of that said, what is social media all about. I guess it depends on your own personal definition. If that means chatting with the vary friends you talk to everyday or work with on Facebook, then that's social media to you. I have always thought of social media as a way to expand my relationships and meet new people who are outside of my bubble.

To answer my own question, what is next for social media. I think right now social media is still finding it's way. I think the original premise of social media, as a way to meet new people and expand their relationships, has not really happened. I think for the most part people are not looking for new opportunities to reach out and network through these sites. I think as time goes on, that more and more users will look past the traditional means of the past and start looking for new ways to connect. Does that mean that Myspace, Facebook and Twitter will be the answer, that remains to be seen. But if they are not, rest assured that someone somewhere is working on that answer right now.