Traditional Media vs. Social Media Similarities and Differences

 Traditional media and social media are not new terms for us. However, the question is:

Do you really know the difference between both of these types of media?

Well, some of you would say yes, why not!

Traditional media means newspapers, magazines, radio, TV, etc. On the other hand, social media means social networking sites like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc. However, the fact is different.

The real meaning of social media can be understood only if you divide the word into two words:

Social implies people socializing with each other (professionally or personally)

Media implies a platform(s) on or using which people socialize.

It means traditional media and modern media aka social networking sites, both can be considered as social media to some extent. However, each type of traditional media is not social media. To clear the confusion, we are articulating this blog on the topic of traditional media vs. social media.

Social media sites can be referred to as modern media. However, for better understanding, we will refer to social media sites as social media in this blog.

Let’s explore the similarities and differences between both types of media:

1. Both are Mass Media

• Both media types can reach massive audiences. Therefore, both of them are considered as mass media.

• The difference between these two is social media can reach more people compared to traditional media.

2. Center of Attention

• The common point between both media types is disseminating information to massive audiences.

• The traditional media vs. social media consideration brings us to a major difference between both. The center of attention of social media is to let people or users of it connect with known and unknown people. On the other hand, traditional media focuses on keeping people aware of various things such as politics, international affairs, etc.

3. Way of Communication

• Both social media and traditional media spread information is the similarity between both types of media.

• Traditional media only support one-way communication. On the contrary, social media lets people communicate in two-way. It means unlike traditional media, social media users can leave reactions, comments, etc.

Interesting isn't it?

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