Social media
Social media are online services where users publish, comment on and share content themselves – from social networks to video platforms.
What is social media?
Social media is the umbrella term for online services whose content comes mostly from the users themselves. It includes social networks, video platforms, microblogging services, forums, blogs and many messengers. Unlike a newspaper or television, anyone can publish, reply and pass content on – the exchange runs in both directions.
Why social media works the way it does
Most services use algorithms to sort content by what will probably hold your attention longest. That shows you fitting things, but it can also make your view one-sided: if you mostly see confirmation, you easily end up in a filter bubble. Likes, comments and shares help decide what spreads. For clubs, businesses and creators, social media is therefore an important way to reach people directly.
What to look out for
Not everything that is shared a lot is true. Check the source before you forward something, and be sceptical of sensational headlines. Think about what you show publicly: photos, location and personal details are hard to take back. Many devices and apps offer time limits and break reminders if your usage gets too much. You can report insults and threats to the operator.
On Friendstime
Friendstime is a social network with a messenger and is therefore part of social media. You publish posts, stories and reels, and comment on and react to other people's content. In the feed you can choose between “Recommended” and a purely chronological order. For each post you decide who can see it. Posts, comments, stories and profiles can be reported; reports are reviewed by people.
Frequently asked questions
Is a messenger also social media?
In the broad sense, yes: people share content in messengers too, for example in groups. In the narrower sense, social media means services with public or semi-public posts; messengers are mainly for private communication.
From what age can you use social media?
Each service sets that in its terms of use. In the EU, the age for consenting to data processing is between 13 and 16 depending on the country; below that, parents must agree.
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