TECH TALK SOCIAL NETWORKS

YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT

By Ted Owen

Although there are some questions currently being posed in the national press about social media and its use (or misuse), there is no doubt about the value and power of these types of networks enabled by technology.

Most people I know have reconnected with long-lost friends they have found after many years of separation. Of course, there are many other social networks which are covering a gamut of needs you never knew you had! Here, six social networks worth considering. Have fun!

SHOP ONLINE
TalkShopLive™ is the first-ever live streaming, social selling online network. Sellers showcase their products via live shows, displaying product details and chat in real-time with customers so that they can purchase with one-click on the buy button. Buyers can access unlimited channels and live product shows. With TalkShopLive™ buying has never been more interactive and entertaining.
Info: talkshop.live.



FUN WITH PHOTOGRAPHY
A study of teenagers between 2012 and 2017 identified Snapchat as the social media network of choice. Snapchat uses a cell phone camera to capture images and video but enhances them with a vast array of graphics, filters, and smart tools—enabling you to switch faces with a friend, add artwork or effects. Travelers can use the Snapmap function to allow others to see what is going on around the world in a given moment.
Info: snapchat.com.


CREATE YOUR LOVES & WANTS
Pinterest is a visual network of images representing interests and ideas which you can “pin” to a board you create through the app on your cell phone or computer. Search for existing boards and follow other users you like. Interests can range from interior design, recipes, collectibles, wedding planning, fashion, beauty—you name it! Ease of use and the simple visual layout are popular with users.
Info: pinterest.com.

GET INSTANT REVIEWS
Open Box Reviews is a website where consumers provide honest reviews by submitting videos of products from setup to usage. The power of this site is the vast range of items you can learn about before you even consider purchasing.
Info: openboxreviews.com.

VIDEO GAMING
While the next generation of social media under development by the team at PlayAPI will surpass everything which has come before it, Reddit remains a favorite haunt for video gamers to swap advice, reviews, hints, and tips for their favorite video games. Although the improvements in quality are a given, the high price of many video games makes a site like Reddit essential before parting with money for a modern video game experience.
Info: reddit.com.

A MODERN-DAY SCRAPBOOK
Tumblr is a micro-blogging website where users can post text, images, and video. As of April, Tumblr hosts some 400 million blogs and has over half-a-billion visitors per month. Imagine a world’s worth of content to wander through but with help at hand from the staff who identify trending subjects and blogs for you to see on the subject of everything and anything.
Info: tumblr.com.