Introduction to E-Commerce

E-Commerce

• E-commerce, also known as electronic commerce, is the process of selling goods and services over the Internet.
• It has revolutionized the global marketplace and allows business to reach customers regardless of geographical boundaries.
• E-commerce has become a vital component of modern business due to the increasing use of the internet and mobile devices.

Benefits of E-Commerce

• Convenience allows customers to shop anytime and anywhere without the need to visit physical stores.
• Businesses can reduce overhead costs like rent and utilities with cost-effectiveness.
• Wider market reach means companies can reach customers globally without needing physical stores.
• Data analytics allows businesses to provide personalized recommendations and enhance the customer experience.
• Online payments and automated systems speed up the purchasing process for fast transactions.

Types of Goods in E-commerce

• Physical goods are tangible products that can be shipped to customers, such as clothing, electronics, books, or household items.
• Digital goods are intangible products that can be delivered electronically like software, e-books, music, or online courses.
• Services are intangible products that are performed for customers, like web design, consulting, or online tutoring.

Popular E-Commerce Platforms in the Philippines

• Shopee is a leading online marketplace with a wide range of products and promotions.
• Lazada is a major e-commerce platform that offers electronics, fashion, and household goods.
• Move It is a motorcycle taxi and delivery service that facilitates transportation and logistics through digital transactions.
• Foodpanda is a food delivery platform that connects customers with restaurants and grocery stores.
• TikTok Shop is a social commerce platform where users can shop for products directly from live streams and short videos.
• SHEIN is a global fast-fashion e-commerce platform that offers trendy clothing and accessories at affordable prices.

Payment Methods For E-Commerce

• Credit/Debit Cards are the most common online payment method.
• Digital Wallets like PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay offer secure transactions.
• Bank Transfers are direct payments from customer accounts to the merchant.
• Some platforms accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
• Cash on Delivery (COD) allows customers to pay when they receive the product.
• Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services like Afterpay and Klarna allow customers to pay in installments.
• G-Cash is a widely used digital payment platform in the Philippines that allows users to pay bills, shop online, and transfer money seamlessly.

Types of E-Commerce

• Business-to-Consumer (B2C) is when businesses sell directly to customers (ex. Shopee).
• Business-to-Business (B2B) is when companies sell products or services to other businesses.
• Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C) is when individuals sell to other individuals (ex. Carousell and Facebook Marketplace).
• Consumer-to-Business (C2B) is when individuals offer products or services to businesses (eg. Freelancers on OnlineJobs.ph and Fiverr).
• Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) is when manufacturers sell directly to customers without intermediaries.

Conclusion (E-Commerce)

• E-commerce has transformed businesses and consumer shopping habits by offering convenience, global reach, and cost savings.
• Advancements in technology promise a bright future for e-commerce, with new payment solutions, AI-driven shopping experiences, and improved logistics.
• Businesses embracing e-commerce will likely thrive in the digital economy.

Social Network Service

• Social Networking Services (SNS) are online platforms that allow individuals and organizations to create profiles.
• SNS allows users to connect with others share content and engage in various forms of communication
• SNS Platforms facilitate social interaction, information sharing, and community building.

Common Social Network Service Activities

• Profile Creation includes users creating and managing personal or business profiles (ex. Facebook or LinkedIn profile).
• Content Sharing includes posting photos, videos, articles, and status updates (ex. uploading photos to Instagram).
• Messaging & Chatting allows private and group messaging for communication.
• Networking & Connections consists of adding friends, followers, or professional contacts (ex. Linkedin).
• Live Streaming involves broadcasting live videos to engage with audiences (ex. TikTok or YouTube).
• E-Commerce & Marketing utilize Businesses for promotions, ads, and direct sales (ex. Facebook Marketplace).
• Community Participation involves engaging in groups, forums, and discussions (ex. Reddit discussion).
• Gaming & Entertainment involves playing interactive games and streaming content (ex. Discord).

Types of Social Network Service

• General Social Networks are platforms for personal connections such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
• Professional Networks are focused on career and business networking, like LinkedIn.
• Media Sharing Networks are primarily for sharing multimedia content, like YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.
• Interest-Based Networks are platforms centered on hobbies and interests and Youtube.
• Dating Networks connect individuals for relationships, like Tinder, Bumble.
• Gaming Networks are social platforms for gamers, such as Facebook Gaming Group, Discord.

History of Social Network Service & Popular Sites

• 1997: SixDegrees.com was considered the first social networking site, allowing users to create profiles and connect with friends.
• 2003: LinkedIn was launched as a professional networking site used for job searching and business networking.
• 2004: Facebook, founded by Mark Zuckerberg, became the largest SNS globally, a central hub for social networking and business marketing.
• 2005: YouTube revolutionized video sharing and content creation, enabling users to upload, share, and monetize videos.
• 2006: Twitter introduced microblogging with short posts and is popular for breaking news updates and political discussions.
• 2010: Instagram focused on photo and video sharing and is used for sharing lifestyle images and brand promotions.
• 2016: TikTok is a short-video platform that gained massive popularity known for viral dance challenges and influencer marketing.

Impact of Social Network Service on Society (Positive Impacts)

• Enhanced Communication connects people across the globe such as by using Messenger or Facebook for video calls.
• Business & Marketing Growth helps businesses reach a wider audience such as small businesses using Vlogging to promote products.
• Education & Awareness disseminates information and learning resources with online courses promoted through YouTube and Google Learning.
• Social Movements empower activism and awareness campaigns like the #MeToo movement gaining traction on Twitter and Facebook, conversations on women's rights.
• Career Opportunities facilitate job searches and professional networking, with recruiters finding candidates via LinkedIn profiles.

Impact of Social Network Service on Society (Negative Impacts)

• Privacy & Security Concerns include risks of data breaches and cyber threats, such as personal information being exposed due to weak privacy settings on Facebook.
• Misinformation & Fake News leads to the rapid spread of false information, such as fake news about elections circulating on Twitter and Facebook.
• Mental Health Issues consist of anxiety, depression, and cyberbullying concerns, such as young users feeling pressured by basher users in social media.
• Addiction & Productivity Loss consists of excessive Social Network Service usage affecting daily life, such as employees distracted by social media notifications during work.
• Social Polarization occurs from echo chambers and misinformation fueling division, such as political debates on Facebook leading to extreme dividing ideologies.

Conclusion

• Social Networking Services have fundamentally altered how people communicate, share information, and conduct business.
• While SNS offers numerous advantages, it also presents challenges that society must address.
• The responsible use of SNS and awareness of its potential effects can maximize positive and minimize negative impacts.