Why is « social media » translated as « les réseaux sociaux », not « les médias sociaux »?

Simon K.C1Kwiziq community member

Why is « social media » translated as « les réseaux sociaux », not « les médias sociaux »?

Asked 3 years ago
Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

From the clip attached, “les réseaux sociaux” is in common use in France. 

Wordreference also gives only “les réseaux sociaux” as translation.

As médias sociaux is also found on the net, this may indicate that it has limited use in France, or differences in use across francophone countries (one list of ‘official terms’ I found that included this was from Quebec).

https://youtu.be/_UrXvQh5C0E

https://www.wordreference.com/enfr/social%20media

Blair W.A2Kwiziq community member

The direct translation to English of "les réseaux sociaux" is "social networks". Maybe that clears it up!

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

The French think of it as a network (réseau), not so much as media.

Margaret S.A2Kwiziq community member

I can confirm that "les médias sociaux" is used more commonly in Quebec/French speaking Canada. Radio & TV both use it, likely because of American English influence. 

Why is « social media » translated as « les réseaux sociaux », not « les médias sociaux »?

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