People continue to discuss why social networks such as facebook, myspace, friendster & bebo are seeing continual growth and engagement. The answer is quite simple; social networks are new communication platforms.

I have stated many times that social networks connect people in way that they could not otherwise connect. Much as text messaging has changed the communication of a generation; social networks are doing the same. Social networks are changing how many generations are embracing new communication tool sets; not just Gen X & Y.

Users can engage in “Micro-Touch” communication via wall comments, applications, status updates and via photo/video commenting & sharing. This behavior is becoming much more pervasive. This is a world wide phenomenon that we are witnessing; it appears to cross multiple cultural and location barriers.

Applications that leverage these new forms of communication have a new opportunity to reach people in a engaging and “non-interruption” format that lends itself to spreading of messaging. Mini-feed, news-feed, wall posts, social groups & application sharing all fall into this “Micro-Touch” category of new communication.

Business, Brands & People all have new and interesting ways to communicate. Understanding how to leverage and engage with these new communication tools is crucial as they will eventually become every day behavior.

Technorati Tags: social networks, social communication, Micro-Touch

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