Social networks are online platforms that allow users to create profiles, share information and communicate with other Internet users. The most popular social networks are Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Snapchat, among others. They allow subscribers to stay in touch with family and friends, make new friends, share photos and videos, and keep up with the news.
Social media, on the other hand, refers to all online communication spaces that allow individuals to share content, opinions and information. Social networks are part of it, along with other types of platforms such as forums, blogs, video sharing sites, product review and photo sharing sites, podcasts, news sites, etc.
In sum, social networks are a subset of social media. The former focus on communication and social relationships, while the latter encompasses a broader range of online communication platforms that can include content of various kinds.
Here are some examples of social networks:
- TikTok
- Snapchat
- YouTube (despite being considered a social media)
The previously mentioned social media:
- Online discussion forums (such as Reddit)
- Blogs (such as Lydiane autour du monde)
- Video sharing sites (such as YouTube)
- Product review sites (such as Amazon)
- Video game review sites (such as IGN)
- Photo sharing platforms (such as Flickr)
- Podcast platforms (such as Spotify or Apple Music)
- News sites (such as Radio-Canada or CNN)
- E-commerce platforms (such as Amazon or Etsy)
It is important to note that this list is not exhaustive. There are many other examples of social networks and social media.