Social media has thus become an integral part of an average web-user. However, which platform that they flock to and which device (or mode) of connectivity they use seems largely governed by the utility of the social media platforms. It is no wonder therefore, that to send short, timely messages on Twitter, users do not mind using mobile phones; however to look through the professional Bio’s on LinkedIn they tend to use computers. Similarly, to look through status updates on facebook, or to view photos, or comment upon posts, computers are preferred over mobile phones; but to write opinion or research driven blog posts, computer is clearly a choice of medium over mobiles UTILITY
UNIQUE PC VISITORS, U.S. (AUDIENCE ‘000)
UNIQUE MOBILE VISITORS, U.S. (AUDIENCE ‘000)
Social Networking
Share life updates Share photos and videos Post interesting content
152,226
74,274
Search people and stay connected Stream Music
19,680
3,501
58,518
42,366
30,945
11,995
28,113
9,671
Blogging
Share life-events Share opinions, experiences Share product reviews Write movie reviews (most optput will be research or experience based and mostly will not be posted on the spur of the moment)
Professional Networking Professional networking site, requires careful monitoring; PC best suited
Micro-blogging, Photosharing
Photo-sharing
27,223
14,316
Due to its nature of small messages (160 characters), mobiles are best suited
37,033
42,366
Micro-blogging
25,634
8,512
12,594
5,325
Knowledge Sharing Knowledge creation and sharing
Source: Nielsen; Sutherland Research