Interest to Pinterest

Move over Facebook and Twitter, there is a new social media phenomenon known as Pinterest.

During Texas Social Media Research Institute's (TSMRI) Social Media Conference on Dec. 1 at Tarleton State University, numerous presentations were presented that covered different aspects of social media – including Pinterest.

Heather Hale, an intern for the Texas Social Media Research Institute, presented information about the recent addicting social media website. Becoming increasingly popular in recent months, this online bulletin board is a new social network that showcases collections of recipes, photography, design, do-it-yourself projects and much more.

"Pinterest is good for professions such as teachers, offers ideas for organization, recycling and budget friendly projects," Hale said. "It is less professional and more of a hobby."

To begin pinning, one must receive an invite from a current Pinterest user or request an invite. People can organize certain pin boards such as weddings, garden, Christmas and fashion. By finding pictures on the web or uploading their own creations, people can pin them in their pin boards for other people to view.

The addicting part is browsing. By browsing other people's pin boards one can re-pin onto their board or acquire new techniques. By clicking the follow button, one can follow other friends or people with the same interest.

"Pinterest is mostly average day people, unfortunately, you cant follow a celebrity's pins," Hale said.

During the presentation, an attendee brought up the concern of viruses connected with Pinterest, since it is connected to other websites, but Hale stated that this concern hasn't been distinguished.

Also, Pinterest is linked to Facebook. By logging into Facebook one is logged into Pinterest. In addition, a setting allows for the pictures pinned on the pin board to also appear on the user's Facebook wall, however, that setting can be turned off.

TSMRI recently held a Pinterest party at the Dick Smith Library where students learned about the website and advanced Pinterest users brought crafts and treats inspired by the website.

"Pinterest is a new social media website created to help individuals form ideas for almost any project," Hale said.

For more information about the Texas Social Media Research Institute, visit http://www.tarleton.edu/COLFAWEB/TSMRI/index.html.