With the creation of popular sites such as MySpace and Facebook came the wave of change that led to a new approach and definition of the Internet, known as Web 2.0. The rise in popularity of social media sites and blogs has forever changed the Internet as we know it. Not only has it led to new hobbies for procrastinating students and new marketing channels for companies and brands, but it has begun to leave its mark on the overall functionality of the Internet. The Internet is not only a way to entertain yourself, but it is more importantly a way to get information. With social media, this approach of gathering info is changing, and it’s for the better.

Once upon a time, Yahoo! and Google existed to cater to the Internet searcher’s needs, and in a way they still do. Google became so powerful in the search engine game that it was eventually adopted as a phrase, as well as the Internet’s top search engine. How often do you hear someone use the phrase “Google it”? I’m willing to bet that you hear this as often as multiple times a day. Though this is still the primary method of search on the Internet, the times are a changin’.

Now a days, people are interested in getting information as quickly as possible. With traditional media, news was provided only after someone had the opportunity to sit down and write an article or film a broadcast and even then delivery had to take place. Now, due to the impact of social media, information is exchanged by the minute. A simple search on Twitter will result in countless posts being updated in real-time. Let’s say that a major event takes place, you can be sure that numerous individuals including reporters, celebrities, musicians, and regular people will post to their Twitter and Facebook accounts. This flooding of instant information now supplies the public with instant information. Think of it as one large conversation amongst the internet community. We no longer have to wait to hear about current events and news.

In addition to supplying us with important facts in real-time, social media allows us to access important opinions as well. Thinking of purchasing a new phone, game, TV, or just about any product but aren’t sure if it’s worth it? Hop on Twitter and search for it. You will be sure to find countless comments and posts regarding other consumer’s experiences and opinions. Post the question on your Facebook status or blog and see what kind of advice people have to offer. Once upon a time, Googling a product would lead you to a product review. Helpful? Very much so. But why read about it when you can actively engage in a conversation about it? It’s as though you have a panel of advisers to help you with your purchasing decisions, consisting of millions of people. That’s quite the committee.

Social media is often brushed off as a hobby or silly time waster by those who criticize, a site to update my status and tell everyone what I am doing? Who cares? As judgmental as they may be, don’t hold their cynicism against them. They just don’t understand social media. That is exactly why we’re here doing what we do. Choose to not use it? That’s OK. But you’ll be missing out on a wondrous world of knowledge and information sharing. It’s the wave of the future. Web 2.0.

Noel