5 social media terms you should know
Social media is something that exists in most of our lives, whether we like it or not. Unfortunately, many of us still have no clue what most of the terms surrounding social media mean. This simple guide can reduce some of that uncertainty by explaining some of the more common social media terms.
1. Tag
Tag is one of those words that can refer to a number of different things, depending on how it’s used. Often, a tag refers to the use of a keyword in a blog or other post. These keywords help ensure that search engines relate your post to the appropriate topics.
Tag might also be used in reference to tagging someone in, or linking someone to, photos. Facebook photo tagging now utilizes facial recognition software to help you tag friends in photos.
The newest form of tagging on Facebook refers to tagging friends in posts or status updates. You can now mention people in a post and tag them, which will alert them to your post. This will also cause the post to show up on their wall for all of their other friends to see.
2. Troll
In this case, a troll does not refer to a little toy with neon hair and a jewel for a belly button. A troll, in social media terms, is someone who uses social media as a way to upset people. They often make taunting or offensive posts in order to generate anger.
3. Friend
We all know what a friend is in the conventional sense, but in social media it can be used as a verb. When you add a person as a friend over a social network, many users refer to this as “friending” someone.
4. Stream
Stream, like tag, can have a couple of different meanings. When it’s used as a verb it pertains to a constant streaming of information, like a webcast. In the form of a noun it generally refers to the information and updates that show up on someone’s Twitter or Facebook home page.
5. At mention
An at mention, or @ mention, is when you refer to someone on Twitter. It’s similar to Facebook tagging in that it will show up on the person’s Twitter stream if you mention them, and alert them to your post.
Although social media terms can often be confusing, this guide can surely help clear up some of the confusion. If you’d like even more social media definitions, take a look at this article.
