Chapter 6:
Social Networking, Mobile
Commerce, and Online
Auctions
Introduction
This chapter explores how social networking, mobile commerce (m-commerce), and
online auctions are transforming online business. We'll examine how social platforms
facilitate connections, the growing convenience of mobile buying and selling, and the
dynamic nature of online auction marketplaces.
Social Networking
● Virtual Communities:
A virtual community is an online group where people with shared interests,
opinions, hobbies, or backgrounds connect. These groups allow individuals to
exchange ideas and words through digital networks, regardless of physical
proximity.
● Examples include Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
● Web Logs (Blogs) and Microblogs:
A weblog, or blog, is an online journal with entries added and viewed on the web.
User-friendly software allows for easy updating, even for those with limited
technical skills.
● Mashable is an example of a versatile blog.
Microblogs enable users to share short content like sentences, images, or video
links.
● Twitter, Mastodon, Tumblr, Koo, and Instagram are examples
of microblog collections.
● Business Uses of Social Networking:
In a business context, social networking is the use of social media to connect with
current and potential customers, aiming to increase revenue and business growth.
❖ Popular social networking sites for business include Facebook,
YouTube, and Twitter.
● Social Shopping Sites:
Social shopping combines e-commerce and social media, enabling users to
directly purchase products.
➔ Examples include Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter),
Amazon, eBay, and AliExpress.
● Idea-Based Social Networking:
Social networking involves using online platforms to connect with friends, family,
colleagues, and businesses. It allows individuals to share and discuss their
interests and concerns.
● Examples include Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and
Pinterest.
● Virtual Learning Networks (eLearning):
This involves delivering learning and training through digital resources. eLearning
uses electronic devices connected to the internet, such as computers, tablets, and
smartphones, to provide educational content and instruction
.
● Open-Source Software:
Open-source software refers to computer programs with publicly available source
code, allowing for viewing, use, modification, and distribution. This fosters
collaboration and transparency.
➢ Examples include the Linux operating system, Apache web server,
and Mozilla Firefox browser.
● Crowdfunding Sites:
Crowdfunding is a method of raising awareness for a product under development
and gathering small contributions from numerous interested individuals.
➢ Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and Patreon are examples of crowdfunding
platforms.
● Internal Social Networking:
Internal social networks are private platforms within companies or organizations
that facilitate employee communication, collaboration, and information sharing.
● Examples include Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Yammer.
These networks can reduce costs by replacing printed materials, provide easy
access to employee information, and benefit geographically dispersed employees.
Many companies are also implementing wireless connectivity for employees to
further reduce costs.
● Mobile Commerce:
Mobile commerce (m-commerce) involves buying and selling goods and services
through mobile devices.
● Examples include mobile banking apps, online shopping apps (e.g.,
Amazon, eBay), and payment services (e.g., Apple Pay, Google
Pay). M-commerce allows users to conduct transactions on the go
using smartphones and tablets.
● Tablet Devices:
Tablets are portable touchscreen computers, larger than smartphones but smaller
than laptops. They use touch input and are suitable for tasks like browsing,
entertainment, and productivity.
● Examples include the Apple iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, and
Microsoft Surface. Tablets offer a balance of mobility and
functionality.
● Mobile Device Operating Systems:
Apple's mobile operating system, iOS, is exclusive to Apple devices (iPhones and
iPads). iOS is known for its user interface, security, and App Store. Android, an
open-source operating system developed by the Open Handset Alliance and
overseen by Google, is used by manufacturers like Samsung and Google. Android
is recognized for its customization options, hardware support, and the Google Play
Store.
● Mobile Apps:
Mobile applications (mobile apps) are software programs designed for
smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices.
● They serve various purposes, including entertainment, productivity, utility,
and information retrieval.
○ Examples include social media apps (Facebook, Instagram,
Twitter), messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, Messenger),
productivity apps (Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace),
entertainment apps (Spotify, Netflix, TikTok), gaming apps (Angry
Birds, Candy Crush, PUBG Mobile), navigation apps (Google
Maps, Waze), health and fitness apps (Fitbit, MyFitnessPal), and
shopping apps (Amazon, eBay, Etsy).
● Group Shopping and Coupon Sites:
Group shopping involves collective purchases, often at discounted prices, with a
minimum number of participants required.
● Examples include BuyClub, which offers group discounts, and
LivingSocial, which provides deals on activities, dining, and travel.
Coupon sites provide digital or printable coupons for discounts on retail or online
purchases.
● Examples include RetailMeNot, offering digital coupons and promo
codes, and Coupons.com, providing printable and digital coupons.
Online Auctions
● Types: English Auction, Dutch Auction, First Price Sealed Bid, Second Price
Sealed Bid/Vickrey.
● Online Auctions and Related Businesses: General Consumer Auction,
Specialty Consumer Auction, Business to Business Auction.
