Television and social media integration

Social media has changed the ways in which we produce, share and consume media. Everything from news to entertainment, social media is augmenting our experience with television. More people than ever are adapting social media networks as a place to catch up with friends, share personal information and engage with others. Individuals are able to share their favorite television channels with their friends and followers. Facebook, for example, requests that users input their favorite television shows as part of their profile. Networks, television personalities and individual shows now have accounts so that users may get the latest updates regarding their shows.

It’s not simply enough now to just watch television. Now, thanks to social media, watching and consuming our favorite television show has become participatory. We can talk to other fans in real-time during the show and engage in critique and fandom in a way that was once not possible.

Here are a few ways that social media is integrating itself into the world of television:

1. Live show chats. Many shows now encourage their fans to chat live during the show. This is especially popular on mtv.com where fans of reality-based shows are encouraged to speak about the show as they are watching it. This is also a popular pastime on Twitter and on designated show forums. In the past, you may have found more joy out of watching your show live with a group of friends. Now, you can connect with fans across the country as you watch your favorite show.

2. Forums. Nearly every show (especially those that are reality-based) has forums on their website. These forums are designed for viewers and fans to share thoughts and provide feedback about characters, plotlines and more. These forums even have turned into spinoff fan sites—where fans take their passion for the show to a new level. Affinity spaces for shows have popped up all over
the internet, allowing viewers to post their own content (such as video) that they in turn share with other fans.

3. Twitter. This fall, trending Twitter topics were almost always focused around television.
For example, the popular reality-based MTV hit Jersey Shore is an extremely popular topic as it aired on Thursday nights. Each cast member also has a Twitter feed where they provide feedback to their fans during the show—sometimes providing “insider” information about that particular episode.

4. Facebook. Following your favorite show on Facebook is perhaps one of the best ideas for any fan. This is because shows are able to post links to behind the scenes videos, sneak previews and other videos of interest. Some even offer their fans chances to win behind the scenes trips, chances to meet cast members and more. One of the best examples is FX network’s The League. The show’s producers post weekly video of clips that had to get cut from the original airing of the show.

These are just a few of the many ways that fans of television programming can connect with the show and other show enthusiasts in real time. At no other time in history has watching television been more exciting. Now, through the power of social media, we have a direct connection with our favorite characters, show producers and other people who share our same excitement for our shows. Being a fan has never been more enjoyable. Because of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, fan forums and live chats, we don’t have to just sit, watch a show and then chat about it at work the next day. We can, in real time, speak with other fans and talk about what will happen next and give our opinions. Are you a fan of cutting-edge television programming?

This guest post is brought to you by Brian Harris. Brian is a freelance writer for Comcast TV Guide San Francisco.

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