In preparation for Essay 3, read the definition of social media (using the Wikipedia definition). Below is a list of analytical questions to ask about social media apps. What else can we add?

What type of app? (see the Wikipedia color wheel to identify the type of app)
What kind of content? user-shared? crowd-sourced? closed to a private group?
Audience? for the use of the app? for content in the app? a particular set or group of users?
Privacy created by users setting privacy controls?
Security - is your data secure?
What type of platform (mobile or web-based or both)? Avoid simply identifying the type. How does the platform encourage user interaction?
How does it establish community?
How does sharing happen? Who creates the content? Is it 2-way conversation or broadcast only?
Does the user control the content and other's content? Is re-mixing and re-using allowed?
What's the licensing agreement (see the user agreement when you sign up)?
What's the history of the creation of the app? Who owns it? Has it been bought by a big company like Google or Yahoo?
Is anonymity encouraged of the users? Or does the user profile mimic real life?
How interactive is the app?
Is feedback on content allowed?

Two other sources that will help with analysis of your social media app:

I'm sure there are other questions to help you analyze your app, but these will get you started using and analyzing your app.