Abstract
Social media has become the voice of many organizations as they use it to function externally as well as internally. I will define social media and explore social Intranet/Internet forums, Blogs and Podcast. Social Media purpose in organizations and in what ways it has affected them.

Organizations and Social Media
We live in a society where modern technology plays a big part in our day-to-day activities. By using the internet, we gather information, buy goods and overall, use it to make our lives easier. Social media is widely used in organizations to attract customers and is even used for personal reasons in expressing or sharing ideas. However, because of the different culture and practices in our society, not all, widely embrace the idea of social media and most especially on how to use it properly.
What is Social Media?
Social media is the most prevalent way of communication in our society today. This is web- or mobile-based technologies that are used to turn communication into an interactive exchange of ideas in an organization, community, and even among individuals. With modern technology and social media, the information on the web can easily be accessed and communication techniques will never be a problem (Bunzel, 2010). With the use of Internet/Intranet forums, Blogs and Podcasts organizations are able to communicate not only outside but within the organizations as well.
The use of forums currently is not a novelty and the tempo of the Internet has become the center of the modern world.
The following are the most common reasons why people and organizations use forums: 1. To find and generate any information; 2. To communicate with colleagues; 3. To meet other people around the world; 4. To have entertainment; 5. To acquire education; and 6. To serve as medium for commercial transactions such as buying and selling products and services
Blogging may be used as a hobby, advocacy and entertainment. Dvorak enumerated some reasons for Blog fascinations: 1. Self-gratification or to make people good about themselves. He states that such reason is least likely and too trite and shallow; 2. Anti-depersonalization to project an image that they are different; 3. Elimination of Frustration or use Blogs to write up complaints about anything; 4. Societal need to share and 5. By aspiring or wannabe writer.
However, organizations are trying to build relationships internally and externally through blogging and podcasts.
Podcast are a type of digital media that is composed of a series of audio or video files found on the web that are usually streamed online to a computer or mobile device. The series of audio or video files are kept on the distributor’s server by a web feed wherein the viewer or listener must use a pod catcher in order to have the right to use it, check for updates, and get the new files in the series. This special client application software will automatically give the viewer or listener the ability to download the file automatically (Roebuck, 2005).
Organizations can internally use podcasts: 1. As an opportunity to let employees know what’s going on within the organization; 2. For educational resources; 3. New policies/procedures information or 4. To introduce new team members
Purpose of Social Media in an Organization
Communicating is a very essential thing that all of us do in our everyday life. Before, solo projects and independent work were the standard and no individual really considered that you must enhance your communication skills. Social media, in the course of correspondence, requires little eye contact. With the present technology and the emphasis on collaboration in the workplace, communication skills are the most essential characteristic to develop. Social media can provide many resources to get the word out internally to all employees with the tap of a few keys.
Organizational precepts and principles are dynamic and evolve over time. The idea of work teams has emerged due to the resurgence of a more competitive business world, e-commerce and globalization of corporate activities. Organizations must possess necessary requirements for it to create a successful work team. For example, the top sales person posts some helpful tips on the organizations internal forum that helps the lowest sales person gain an advantage. By having an internal knowledge sharing environment every team member can have the same advantage, in regards to profitable techniques.
How Social Media affects Organizations
In businesses today, the advantages of social media are widely recognized. Meetings can be done through Skype, especially when the employee needs to travel from one place to another in order to attend a meeting. With the use of web conferences, it cuts back travel expenses for the organization like flight fares, hotel accommodation, meals, and car rentals as well as the time spent in traveling in addition to the exhaustion an employee may experience in traveling.
The right to privacy is the respect of the personal and family life of each individual. Right to privacy has evolved with the emergence of modern technology. Before, right to privacy would include the punishment of persons who read other people’s private mails and correspondence. However, organizations have had to alter internal policies to include the right to monitor everything that comes and goes from of their buildings with respect to communication. Lauby states that employers reserve the right to monitor employee use of social media regardless of location. Making employees aware that company policies on anti-harassment, ethics and company loyalty extend to all forms of communication (including social media) both inside and outside the workplace is now a priority.
Conclusion
Currently, there are numerous technological advancements. Improving employee resources, morale and knowledge is a wonderful thing. Social media is a great platform to highlight an organization. Real-time feedback, customer service and idea generation are wonderful aspects of taking advantage of this often free business tool. Internally, it helps to keep the team on an even playing field and promotes team building. However, it is important to know the advantages and disadvantages of these new technologies to avoid any complex problem it may bring an organization. Failure to engage with teammates and not responding to negative feedback are ineffective uses of social technology. Once organizations step into the door of this new world they must understand how and when to use it on order to see the full effects of such a tool. They must be careful and keep a watchful eye so that work productivity is not influenced negatively because employees are wasting time on the intranet/internet. Furthermore, employees must understand that they are responsible for the reputation of the company. Organizations do not want or need to be associated with an employee who posts how drunk they were at the company picnic. The price might me affordable but the problem it might bring you might cost you more than you have ever imagined.
References
Bunzel, T (2010). Tools of Engagement: Presenting and Training in a World of Social Media. Pfeiffer.
Dvorak, John C.( 26 February 2002). The Blog Phenomenon. Retrieved July 23, 2012 from http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2704,81500,00.asp
Lauby, S (April 27, 2009). Should Your Company Have a Social Media Policy?. Retrieved June 19,2012, from Mashable.com
Roebuck, K (2005). Podcasting: High-impact Strategies - What You Need to Know: Definitions, Adoptions, Impact, Benefits, Maturity, Vendors. Tebbo.
The Parr Center for Ethics. Personal Liberties and Public Safety. Retrieved July 22, 2012 from http://parrcenter.unc.edu/ask/EIN5.html