Week1o Why mobile social media is bubbling up?

                Why mobile social media is bubbling up?

                                                                            - Ruby's first blog

I use mobile social media in places almost everyone will go, from updating tags and unloading photos on Facebook, sharing links on twitter about latest music, chatting with my mom through Skype, and even playing social games. No matter I am in line waiting for the bus coming, or walking on my way back home, even in restrooms, I am used to explore mobile social media in almost any places when I am free.

It is statistically reported that 47% Americans say cellphones are necessities, comparing with 59% Americans who say clothes dryers are necessities. Moreover, 60% of all mobile Internet usage spent on social networking. 

Therefore, we can not deny that mobile social media has already been the mainstream. It is tapping into consumers’ intrinsic motivation. The truth is: all mobile’s going social.

The first question appears. What is mobile social media? 

The mobile social media could at least categorizes into five different types:      1. Online social networks on mobile devices;

     2.   Share information via social channels;

     3.   Mobile social networks

     4.   Location-based check-in services

     5.   Social gaming

As the trend for mobile usage is moving on, some users may think about this phenomenon thoroughly and deeply: why mobile social media is bubbling up? At first, I would like to show a basic picture of the development history for mobile social media.

2001-2006: The phone reached out to the Interntet through WAP and web.

2007-2008: The Internet is reaching into the phone. e.g. Nokia browser.

2009-now: The phone has became an active tool of the Internet.

Next question, Why mobile social media is bubbling up? How people are using mobile social media?

First, connect conveniently. 

Instead of using stationary device, through mobile we could connect with friends, watching video, update our daily news and chase in fashion whenever we want.

Second, self esteem. 

Tom post his photos for Lady Gaga in time squares on Jan. 1, 2012 on Facebook. A lot of his friends paid their attention here and left comments. Tom felt it was some kind of honor to show it in public.

Third, prepare for a social shopping. 

Mobile+ Social+ local= marketing opportunities. Lily just post on her Facebook that Wendy on Park Avenue sells chicken wings for 40 cents now. Alex and I saw her tag and drove to Wendy together immediately to buy chicken wings with huge discounts.

Forth, Altruism. Mobile social media provides ways for people to give tips and support to others. For example:

Check it out!

http://www.foodspotting.com/explore#/sort/latest/

Team Foodspotting

http://www.facebook.com/Foodspotting

App Store Foodspotting

Fifth, have fun by social games.

As we can see, mobile social media really matters in contemporary society. It relates closely with people’s everyday life from personal usage to office work.  It changes people's living style going from where you are to what you are doing. 

So I can not stop thinking what is the outlook for mobile social media in the future? Convergence! It is to let information ramble over screens, combining social circles, brand, service, consumers’ needs & wants with App store, MobileMe, iTunes, as well as devices, iPod, iPhone, iPad, etc.

 At that time, we can have our own personal chips for recording profiles. It makes our life easier. CNN makes the news more social by mobile. Waze provides traffic reports to help handle traffic congestion problems. All media become mobile social media.