Social media terms you should add to your vocabulary
rebeccarogers11 September 28, 2023Social media refers to a collection of online platforms and websites that enable users to create, share,
and interact with content in a virtual social environment. These platforms facilitate communication,
networking, and the sharing of information, ideas, and multimedia content such as text, images, videos,
and links. Social media has transformed the way people connect, communicate, and engage with each
other and with brands, businesses, and organizations.
Key characteristics of social media include:
User-Generated Content: Social media platforms rely on content created and shared with users,
allowing individuals to express their thoughts, opinions, and experiences.
Interactivity: Social media encourages interaction between users through likes, comments, shares, and
direct messages. This interactivity fosters engagement and dialogue.
Global Reach: Social media has a widespread reach, connecting people from different geographical
locations and cultural backgrounds, making communication more accessible on a global scale.
Real-Time Updates: Platforms provide real-time updates, enabling users to stay informed about current
events, trends, and developments as they unfold.
Networking and Connections: Social media facilitates the building of personal and professional
relationships, connecting individuals with friends, family, colleagues, influencers, and like-minded
individuals.
Multimedia Sharing: Users can share various forms of media, including photos, videos, audio clips, links,
and more, allowing for diverse and creative content sharing.
Privacy and Security Concerns: While social media offers opportunities for connection, it also raises
privacy and security concerns related to personal information, data sharing, and potential misuse.
Some well-known social media platforms include:
Facebook: A platform for connecting with friends, sharing updates, photos, and videos.
Twitter: A microblogging platform for sharing short messages, or “tweets,” with a global audience.
Instagram: A visual platform for sharing photos and short videos, often accompanied by captions and
hashtags.
LinkedIn: A professional networking platform for connecting with colleagues, employers, and industry
professionals.
YouTube: A video-sharing platform for uploading, watching, and sharing videos on a wide range of
topics.
Snapchat: A platform for sharing temporary photos and videos, known as “Snaps,” with friends and
followers.
These are just a few examples of the many social media platforms available, each catering to different
types of content and communication styles. Social media has become an integral part of modern
communication, enabling people to stay connected, informed, and engaged in both personal and
professional spheres.
Certainly! Here are some social media terms:
Hashtag (#): A keyword or phrase preceded by the ‘#’ symbol used on social media platforms to
categorize and organize content around a specific topic.
Feed: The stream of content, such as posts, photos, and videos, displayed on a user’s social media
homepage.
Timeline: A chronological display of a user’s posts and activity on a social media platform.
Follow/Follower: To subscribe to another user’s updates or content, and the individuals who subscribe
to your updates, respectively.
Like: An indication of appreciation or approval for a post, often represented by a heart symbol.
Share/Repost/Retweet: To pass on another user’s content to your followers on different platforms,
often with credit.
DM (Direct Message): A private message sent between users on platforms like Twitter and Instagram.
Tagging: Identifying and mentioning another user in a post or comment using their username, often
creating a hyperlink to their profile.
Algorithm: The set of rules that social media platforms use to determine what content appears in a
user’s feed based on their interests, behavior, and other factors.
Influencer: A user who has established credibility and a large following in a specific niche, often
collaborating with brands to promote products or services.
Trending: Content, topics, or hashtags that are currently popular and widely discussed on a platform.
Viral: When a post or piece of content spreads rapidly and widely across social media platforms.
Engagement: The interactions users have with a post, including likes, comments, and shares.
Avatar/Profile Picture: The image that represents a user’s identity on a social media platform.
Bio: A brief description about a user, often found in the profile section.
Emoji: Small icons used to convey emotions, reactions, or concepts in text-based communication.
Stories: Temporary, short-lived posts that disappear after a certain period, commonly found on
platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook.
Geotagging: Adding a location to a post or photo to show where it was taken.
Explore Page/Tab: A section on some platforms that suggests popular or relevant content to users
based on their interests and behavior.
Algorithm: The system used by social media platforms to determine which content appears on a user’s
feed based on their behavior and interests.
Verification Badge: A symbol indicating that an account is authentic and belongs to a well-known or
notable individual or organization.
These terms represent just a portion of the social media vocabulary, but they provide a good starting
point for understanding the basics of online communication and interaction.
Social Media Slang Terms
Of course! Here are some social media slang terms commonly used:
FOMO: Fear of Missing Out – the feeling of anxiety that one might miss out on something exciting or
interesting happening on social media.
WYLL: WYLL meaning is what you look like
LOL: Laugh Out Loud – used to indicate something is funny.
BRB: Be Right Back – indicating a temporary absence from the conversation.
TBT: Throwback Thursday – used when sharing a nostalgic photo or memory on a Thursday.
DMs: Direct Messages – private messages exchanged between users.
ICYMI: In Case You Missed It – used to share something again for those who might not have seen it
earlier.
OOTD: Outfit of the Day – a photo showcasing the poster’s daily fashion choice.
BTW: By The Way – used to add a side note or additional information.
IMO/IMHO: In My Opinion / In My Humble Opinion – used when sharing a personal viewpoint.
SMH: Shaking My Head – expressing disbelief or disappointment.
ROFL: Rolling On the Floor Laughing – indicating something is extremely funny.
NSFW: Not Safe For Work – content that might be inappropriate to view in a professional or public
setting.
YOLO: You Only Live Once – an encouragement to take risks or seize opportunities.
Bae: Term of endearment, short for “before anyone else.”
Squad Goals: Aspiring to have the same close-knit and awesome group of friends as seen in photos.
Selfie: A photo taken of oneself, often with a smartphone.
Swipe Right/Left: A reference to dating apps, indicating interest (right) or disinterest (left).
Throw Shade: Making a critical or sarcastic comment about someone.
VSCO Girl/Boy: Refers to a certain style and aesthetic often associated with the VSCO photo editing app.
Ghosting: Ending a relationship or interaction suddenly and without explanation.
Ship: To support or wish for a romantic relationship between two people.
Flex: To show off or boast about one’s accomplishments or possessions.
Insta/FB/Tweet/Snap: Short forms for Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat, respectively.
Bio Link: The link in your social media bio that directs followers to a website or specific content.
Noob: A newcomer or someone inexperienced in a certain area.
Remember, social media slang can vary and evolve quickly, so new terms may emerge over time. Always
be cautious about using unfamiliar slang in different contexts.
