SOCIAL MEDIA FOR SOCIAL BUSINESS: STRATEGIES ADOPTED BY SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS

Abstract

The paper is both conceptual and empirical because it presents concepts and ideas, borrowed referred and quoted from the existing sources. It is partially empirical because online questionnaires employed to collect information from thirty-five individuals who are part of service sectors and promote social business. In-depth interview and focused group discussion with individuals and groups to reflect about the benefits of social media for social business in today’s world gives deeper understating about the need for planned design and focused activity and audience to exploit the opportunity for the advantage of social business. Conceptual understanding about social media as a double-edged sword and its impact on revolutionizing the human existence and communication system to improve human dignity and livelihood has been discussed in the paper. The paper also denotes that social media can be used and abused hence social entrepreneurs need to possess thorough knowledge and understanding about the technology and device for a better outcome. Social media as a gadget and technology is easily available and user-friendly it has become the product of rich and poor alike, and in that sense, it has reduced the gap between the haves and have-nots. It is also getting cheaper and cheaper hence making it effortlessly adaptable. Usage of social media has increased day by day and discounted cell phone accessories have made it possible to infiltrate even into the lower strata of society. The empirical research portrays that social media has empowered and at the same time enslaved the human mind and action. It has been considered as the best modem of communication and the worst form of stress inducer. It has helped to get connected with people across the border and at the same time reduced the face to face interaction with our neighbor. The primary source of information reveals that all of the participants are familiar with Facebook and the majority of the professionals have a Facebook account but they do not operate frequently. The participants also shared that it hooks the viewer and so intentionally or non-voluntarily they tend to spend more time. The second reason was that by choice they want to have minimum access because as educationist they feel their priorities differ, so they use Facebook sparingly.