social media

American  

noun

(usually used with a plural verb)

1. websites and other online means of communication that are used by large groups of people to share information and to develop social and professional contacts.

   Many businesses are utilizing social media to generate sales.

---

Etymology

Origin of social media

First recorded in 2000–05

Example Sentences

Social media companies should do more to combat this kind of misinformation, including "amending their algorithms to make sure they're not rewarding poison and division" and labelling AI content clearly, Sir Sadiq said.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

Social media means that there’s no intermediary, and there are positives and negatives to that scenario.

From Salon • May 12, 2026

Social media has created the conditions for this “doomer mindset” to flourish: Constant exposure to information, algorithm-driven echo chambers, and excessive screen time distort perception and isolate teens, making it harder to discern what’s true.

From Slate • May 12, 2026

Social media, she noted, had helped revive interest in the ways the gut and the brain work together.

From MarketWatch • May 10, 2026

Social media is filled with AI animal rescues of all types.

From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2026

Related Words

• social platform