Facebook and Twitter- Are they Useful?

There are several social networking websites that fall into our everyday conversations. If you make friends with someone, they ask for your surname so they can add you on Facebook. It sounds a little crazy doesn't it?

Well welcome to the world of social networking sites. It's a network based around the idea od "friends". You can make friends and add them on Facebook or even re-connect with old friends that you have lost contact with, by typing their name into the search tab.

People with common interests like their favourite chocolate bar, hobbies etc, all form a group, willingly of course. Cadbury Wispa was re-launched because of a Facebook group that people joined, saying they loved the chocolate and wished it was still available. It just goes to show, people have a lot more influence than they could even be aware of.

Facebook isn't the only social networking website. The past year has seen Twitter become the new social phenomenon. With celebrities such as Rihanna, Stephen Fry and even US President Barack Obama regularly updating their statuses, surely this must emphasise what a success this network is.

Celebrities use Twitter a lot, remember when Vernon Kay posted a picture of his wife Tess Daly in her bikini with her slim frame, just 10 weeks after the birth of their child! She looked amazing, but apparently she was annoyed with him for posting the picture up!

Twitter has become so successful is has even come with it's own dictionary of terms! A tweet is a message of 140 characters or less and asks the question 'What's happening?'. Instead of saying you are friends with someone, it is re-phrased as "follow". So you may be "following" Lauren Conrad from MTV show The Hills.

Twitter is a very useful tool for PR practioners. You are able to monitor conversations, news and event by checking trends in tweets. This means you are able to see what people are talking about or how many times your product has been mentioned. It is also good to establish credibility and expertise as well as promoting issues.

I only recently joined Twitter, and to be honest, found it quite overwhelming. I instantly searched for celebrities, once I knew how to that is! However, I must admit it is full with information, perfect for PR!