What’s the next social media?
by Paul Flyer
As I think about Web 2.0 and the social organization surrounding key websites, I am wondering what will become the next social media.
We have social bookmarking, social photos, social music, social books, social video and social news. What could be next?
What about television?
Some may point to YouTube to answer this question. YouTube is amateur submitted video. I am talking about interactive Television.
With gaming consoles becoming mini-super computers, it isn’t too far-fetched to imagine keyboards hooked up to those consoles. Those consoles would not only allow users to play games but interact with their favorite TV programs. Yes, users can interact ABOUT their favorite TV programs online on the Net, but they either have to be using a computer either after the program is finished or be using a laptop while viewing their TV. I am talking about a console, a TV and a keyboard. No personal computer.
Most modern gaming consoles already are Internet capable. All TV networks need to do is hook into that capability. Blog about your favorite TV program right from your console without needing to power up the PC. Interact with other users as your favorite drama’s unfold. Or eventually, a Choose You Own Adventure TV program where you input what will happen next. Imagine Amazon Reader Comments but for Television programs.
And forget about Nielsen ratings. Interactive TV would provide instant polling data. No need to have users login to a website or fill out a flyer to be mailed.
Users could provide tons of metadata about their favorite programs on the fly. Sorta like Flickr where you can outline a portion of an image and leave a comment. Can you imagine doing this with movies? Immediately highlight flaws or oddities and have them immediately posted on that movie’s own website.
I am not crazy about television in general. I could just as well do without it. However, it seems odd to me that TV has not been on the cutting edge of this social media phenomenon. They really seem to be the last one’s to this party.
UPDATE 1-17-2007: While it doesn’t use a gaming console, Joost provides TV on the Internet with social interaction. Rate and comment on your favorite TV shows. Television is now on the social media map.
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