The term "social media" refers to platforms and tools that enable people to create, share, and exchange information, ideas, and content online. These platforms facilitate social interaction and allow users to connect with others, share personal updates, and engage in discussions. Common examples include websites and applications like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
The phrase "social media" combines the word "social," which derives from the Latin "socialis," meaning "of companionship," and "media," which comes from the Latin "medium," meaning "intermediate" or "channel." The term became popular in the early 2000s as the internet began to emerge as a significant means of communication.