Social media are distinct from industrial or traditional media, such as newspapers, television, and film. Social Media are relatively inexpensive and accessible to enable anyone to publish or access information, compared to industrial media, which generally restricts participation.

Reach - both industrial and social media technologies provide scale and enable anyone to reach a global audience.

Accessibility - the means of production for industrial media are typically owned privately or by government; social media tools are generally available to anyone at little or no cost.

Usability - industrial media production typically requires specialized skills and training. Most social media does not, or in some cases reinvent skills, so anyone can operate the means of production.

Timeliness - the time lag between communications produced by industrial media can be long (days, weeks, or even months) compared to social media which can be capable of virtually instantaneous responses; only the participants determine any delay in response.

Permanence - industrial media, once created, cannot be altered whereas social media can be altered almost instantaneously by comments or editing.

Social media are distinct from industrial or traditional media, such as newspapers, television, and film. Social Media are relatively inexpensive and accessible to enable anyone to publish or access information, compared to industrial media, which generally restricts participation.

Reach - both industrial and social media technologies provide scale and enable anyone to reach a global audience.

Accessibility - the means of production for industrial media are typically owned privately or by government; social media tools are generally available to anyone at little or no cost.

Usability - industrial media production typically requires specialized skills and training. Most social media does not, or in some cases reinvent skills, so anyone can operate the means of production.

Timeliness - the time lag between communications produced by industrial media can be long (days, weeks, or even months) compared to social media which can be capable of virtually instantaneous responses; only the participants determine any delay in response.

Permanence - industrial media, once created, cannot be altered whereas social media can be altered almost instantaneously by comments or editing.