Social media = “forms of electronic communication (such as Web sites) through which people create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, etc.” (Merriam-Webster’s Learner’s Dictionary)
Young people discovered social media first. But now also adults can’t imagine life without social media. It became our way of communication, branding ourselves through online personas, building online communities and just spending free time. Whether it’s Facebook, Google+, Instagram Snapchat or some other social media app, it is slowly but firmly incorporating into every aspect of our lives.
The Rise of Social Media (Ben Brommell)
“Social networking is the practice of expanding the number of one’s business and/or social contacts by making connections through individuals.” (Whatis.com)
Social Networking in Plain English(Common Craft)
You’re asking what is the difference between Social media and social networking?
To make it simple social media is the way to connect (more of a one-way communication) and social networking mean building relationships (two-way communication). Read more about the difference in a blog of Fauzia Burke at Huffingtonpost.
Source: Brian Solis & JESS3
If you are new to the field of social media, we recommend to check out online dictionaries: