Social Software

What is social software?

• "Social software enables people to rendezvous, connect or collaborate through computer-mediated . . .tools. . . [Social software is] used inside organisations or by communities of practice/interest." 1

   

• "The term 'social software' [is] used to define software that supports group interaction." 2

   

• "Social software can be loosely defined as software which supports, extends, or derives added value from human social behaviour-- message boards, music taste-sharing, photo-sharing, instant messaging, mailing lists, social networking." 3

Characteristics of Social Software

 Social Software is...

• Collaborative

  Social software creates community, allows participation, connects users at multiple levels (readers, contributors, links)

• Available

  Social software is web-based, not tied to your desktop, allowing users access from multiple locations across multiple platforms.  Much social software can be accessed using hand-held technology-- cell phones, PDAs

• Free

  Most social software applications are either entirely free or have a basic, free level.  Or, there is a free version of similar software being offered by someone else!

• Easy to use

  Social software doesn't require technological savvy to master.  Some applications require patience and a have a distinct learning curve, but playing around and exploration are generally built into the software. 

   

What are people doing with Social Software?

Open an account, play around, invite friends, make new friends!

 1."Social software." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 20 Jun 2007. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.  <http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Social_software&oldid=139470255>  20 Jun 2007.

2. Allen, Christopher.  "Tracing the Evolution of Social Software."  [Weblog entry.]  Life with Alacrity.  <http://www.lifewithalacrity.com/2004/10/tracing_the_evo.html> 20 June, 2007.

3. Coates, Tom.  "An Addendum to a Definition of Social Software."  [Weblog entry.]  plasticbag.org  <http://www.plasticbag.org/archives/2005/01/an_addendum_to_a_definition_of_social_software/> 14 July 2007.

image: Ludwig Gatzke

"What are people doing" categories comes from: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_24/b4038405.htm

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