Social media is nearing the point of no return.

Businesses using parcel delivery and courier services should be aware that social media is reaching a tipping point.

According to David Card writing on gigaom, this so-called critical mass is achieved when over 15 per cent of users or households adopt a new technology.

The social media trend is mirroring that of video recorders in the 1980s, he argued, explaining that once the magic 15 per cent mark is hit, two things happen that create "hockey stick growth" and ongoing business sustainability.

At critical mass, adoption actually accelerates and new businesses or markets appear on the scene.

Mr Card added that social gaming, micro blogging and social commerce are all reaching the point of no return.

His comments come after research firm Gartner predicted that business apps will be optimised for social media use by 2016.

Posted by Rob Elliott

Article Added: 09/11/2010 09:02:51