Social media platforms can be categorized according to the interests of their users and their purposes. There are platforms that appeal to video game players, social gamers, video sharers, professional business networks, virtual worlds, review platforms, and beyond.

People use various social media applications to network career opportunities, find others across the globe with like-minded interests, and share their political views. Entertainers and politicians use social media to engage with constituents and voters.

For businesses, social media has become a key tool. Companies use the platforms to find and engage with customers, drive sales through advertising and promotion, gauge consumer trends, and offer customer service or support.

Social media's ability to collect information helps businesses to fine-tune their marketing campaigns and conduct market research. It helps companies promote products and services as it enables the distribution of targeted, timely, and exclusive sales and coupons to potential customers. Further, social media can help build customer relationships through loyalty programs linked to social media.