Social media, the final frontier.

October 7, 2010 • 2:37 pm • POSTED BY jbigas

I recently stumbled upon this map while scrolling through my favorite gossip blog (shown below as a small island floating in the Sea of Opinions). Naming almost every single social network, blog, file sharing platform, online game, communications tool and inside joke that the internet has to offer -and then mapping them out in a way that seems to denote a hierarchy of size certainly, and power and influence, arguably – this “Map of Online Communities” started to make me think about social media in a new way.

The idea of social media as its own world, quite literally mapped out, helped me see the current state and possible opportunities of online communication differently. Now, I’m no general or explorer, and have never been very good at the game of Risk, but the ideas of  “uncharted territory” and expansion certainly comes to mind.  Especially if you’re a brand vying for new ways to reach an untapped audience or if you’re a marketer trying to build from an up-and-coming media platform.

This map could certainly be used as a strategic tool for brainstorming sessions, inspirations for marketing plans, self pondering, market analysis and more. Think expansion and exploration. Incorporate ideas that will shift the borders, cause a little chaos and change the lay of the online land. Think of things that will change the communication universe. Use it for the obvious reason maps are created, to explore, and look into new communities or media platforms you’ve never heard of.

Or you could just enjoy it for the obvious reason: humor. Visit the sovereign state of OK GO Videos in YouTube, or the giant crater marking where Adult Services used to be on the isle of Craiglist. Explore the beauty of Duckface Mountains in Facebook or visit the space where the kingdom of Oh No They Didnt once resided and is now for sale (my ontd bbs know what I’m talking). Get your smug on in Snob Sound and end your travels with a laugh in the Sea of Memes. Just explore a little.

Feel free to check out the map more at http://xkcd.com/802/

Alright, I’m out. Currently setting sail for the Sea of Zero (0) Comments!