What Social Network Was Intended For vs. How We Actually Use It

TWEET, BING, DING, BRRRING….you are probably used to hearing these sounds everyday; receiving tweets, snapchats, posts, likes, etc. Social Networking sites and applications have evolved to a point where it has become a natural extension of communication with others around us, near or far. However, don’t you wonder what the innovators that brought us applications like snapchat and Facebook really intended?

Here is the truth in how some of our favorite social networks meant one thing, but turned into something completely different.

1. Facebook

[Photo Credit: The Telegraph]

Intended Use:

- “I can add my classmates, although I’m not very close with them, so that we can make study groups!”

- “I can message my friend in Paris who I met through studying abroad!”

- “Man, these pictures from last year’s camping trip really bring back memories”

How We Usually Use It :

- “Find classmates on Facebook…ask for homework answers the night before…”

- “There’s that cute, French girl in my study abroad class that I only talked to once!…add add add!!!”

- “Must….Look…At…All…Her…Albums!!!”

2. Twitter 

[Photo Credit: UpCity]

Intended Use:

- “Can’t wait to update my peers about some music I’m working on, need to build support! #movingonup”

- “Hey everyone! Check out this new article I am writing about! #responsibilities” (wink, wink)

- “Sometimes, people need to know how I’m feeling…in a deep and memorable quote! #truth”

How We Usually Use It:

- “This song is so dope! Check it out….and this one…and this one… #repeat”

- “Definitely not doing work….did you guys check out the song I tweeted? #procrastinating”

- “….just chillin #yolo”

3. Instagram

[Photo Credit: IAmRohann]

Intended Use:

- “Got a new dress, my friends are going to die when they see this picture.”

- “My friends are not going to believe who I bumped into at the airport.”

- “Everyone is going to love these pictures from the wedding.”

How We Usually Use It:

- “I look so hot in this dress…all those sluts out there are going to be jealous.”

- “Thats right! Just stalked Joakim Noah at Jewel and got a picture of his back.”

- “Hahahaha we got so wasted at the wedding…and everyone gets to see!”

4. Youtube

[Photo Credit: Entecity]

Intended Use:

- “I want to discover some new musicians!”

- “Maybe there is a video to teach me how to fix my phone?”

- “This video is insane! I can’t believe people get to travel and see things like that!”

How We Usually Use It:

- “OPPA GANGNAM STYLE!”

- (typing) “How…to…prank…roommates…in…their…bathrooms”

- “Cat videos….sooo gooood!”

5. Snapchat

[Photo Credit: BrandDrivenDigital]

Intended Use:

- “Hello From France!”

- “This is the only time you’ll see me dance!”

- (well…you know)

How We Usually Use It:

- Selfies

- Selfies

- Selfies

[Photo Credit: MemeCreator]