New Media Tools

Smart Phones- When I first opened up my iPhone, I was clueless to the opportunities that lay in front of me. A mobile device is, "a way of viewing, receiving, and/or sending information to and from cellular phones and other wireless devices. Mobile encompasses many things- the mobile web, mobile applications, and text messaging. The Mobile web allows you to visit websites on your device with a mobile browser" (Aidsgovteam, 2013).  This is the definition from an official government website giving you information about social media tools. I think that this is the most common social media tool, the smart phone. Most people I come in contact with have a smart phone and utilize its abilities. A smart phone is a social media tool, but with the smart phone you can get on other social media platforms by downloading applications from your phone store. Smart phones are the fastest way to stay connected and communicate with others via technology. My experience with smart phones has been a good one. I stay connected with my applications. For example, I use my Fandango application to find out movie times instantly from just about anywhere I am. I use my phone more than any other social media outlet out there.

http://aids.gov/using-new-media/tools/mobile/


Blogs- "A blog is a website with regular updates (often daily or weekly) called posts, that typically combine text, images (graphics or video), and links to other websites. Blogs are often informal in tone-some resemble an online diary or journal, while others provide news or organizational updates" (Aidsgovteam,2013).  There are many different types of blogs; political, opinion, breaking-news, and journals. Blogs are a good way to share an opinion or even get news out to the world quickly. It is a place for people to stay connected and write to each other about issues going on and to engage in debates about the important issues of society. A great website called Global Voices does this, they have authors that blog about issues going on around the world and try to get every single person connected. They want people to see outside their box, outside their comfort zone. People can take a small step in doing this by visiting Global Voices. My experience with blogs is little to none, this is my first blogging experience and it has been a great one. I really like writing about different issues going on around the world and getting feedback from other bloggers.


http://aids.gov/using-new-media/tools/blogs/


Text Messaging- Text messaging is one of the most popular forms of communication today. People are often trying to get free texting on their smart phone plans because many people don't even call people anymore. Often it is just getting a simple text message from someone; my brother told me the other day, "texting is way easier, it's fast and I can do it just about any where. I also can talk to multiple people at once, instead of just talking to one person on the phone." Texting is definitely one of the more popular forms of communication via cell phone. I  text consistently throughout my day, it is one of the main forms my wife and I use to get a hold of each other at work.

http://aids.gov/using-new-media/tools/text-messaging/


Social Network Sites- "Social networking sites are online communities that allow you to share information about yourself and your program with clients, colleagues, family, and friends. Many social networking sites let you upload photos, videos, create a blog, post events, join groups, and send messages" (Aidsgovteam,2013). Some of the more common social networks are Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, and Youtube.  Facebook is the most popular with people using this site to stay connected with friends, family, and other loved ones. These social media sites are great for staying connected with family that lives in a different state or country. These sites are great for seeing what is going on in other people's lives. I use Facebook and Skype to stay connected with family members that live in Washington state. I don't see them often, but I try to Skype with people in my family every couple weeks. I talk to family members on Facebook Chat regularly.

http://aids.gov/using-new-media/tools/social-network-sites/