Social networks will be the platform of choice for internet transactions.

Consumers may soon be turning to social media to order a parcel delivery or a courier service, as these platforms become increasingly geared towards e-commerce.

"Social commerce will come of age in 2011," says Justin Cooke, chair of the British Interactive Media Association.

"Major brands will create social transactional applications and it will become commonplace for users to be able to make transactions on social media platforms rather than simply using social media to influence their purchasing behaviour."

He explained that Facebook credits will become accepted as a payment method for goods and services, while business-to-business social networks will take off.

The comments come after the head of Twitter revealed the growing role of mobile technology in social media.

Dick Costolo, chief executive officer of the microblogging site, said over 40 per cent of tweets come from mobile phones.

Posted by Rob Elliott

Article Added: 13/01/2011 09:23:39