Due to the fast-paced and constantly evolving nature of social media, the popular medium is still new to many people. In a quest to understand the public’s perception of social media, Forbes writer Steve Olenski stumbled upon some interesting results.

In 2010, Olenski turned to his social network on LinkedIn to ask the question, “What’s the first thing you think of when you hear the term ‘social media’?” He asked the same question in 2012 and compared answers.

An overwhelming response, 32 percent to be exact, said that when they think of social media in 2012 they think of Facebook. Other responses included “noise,” “where is the mute button?,” and “ways to communicate with other people.”

What’s striking is how Facebook has become almost synonymous with the product it offers — something very few brands ever do. If a large portion of your customer base is turning to Facebook, so should you.

Olenski took his research a step further, polling 500 Internet users about their use of social media. Compared to two years ago, Facebook usage has decreased for 20 percent of users; however, 57 percent of users have seen an increase. Twitter users saw a 24 percent decrease and a 26 percent increase.

LinkedIn, on the other hand, saw a much larger decrease than other social networks. Usage dropped for 32 percent of members and only 11 percent saw an increase. The platform, which has become more of a professional resource than marketing opportunity, doesn’t seem to have the same appeal as other social networks.

More responses, as well as data regarding how people feel about the future of social media can be found in the infographic below. While this isn’t a scientific study, the data is worth keeping in mind when making decisions about your social media strategy.

[Via: Forbes, Image credit: Jeff Turner]