Which trend is characterized by using platforms to connect and engage audiences?

The trend characterized by using platforms to connect and engage audiences is social media. Social media platforms are specifically designed for interaction, allowing users to create content, share information, and engage with one another in real time. They facilitate communication not only among individuals but also between brands and their customers, fostering community and dialogue.

In the context of social media, businesses leverage these platforms to build relationships with their audiences, perform customer engagement, conduct marketing campaigns, and gather feedback. The user-generated content on social media further enhances audience engagement, as users share their experiences and opinions, driving conversations around products or services.

While mobile computing, data analytics, and the Internet of Things all involve technology and connectivity, they do not primarily focus on the interactive and community aspect defined by social media. Mobile computing allows users to access services on-the-go, data analytics revolves around processing information for insights, and the Internet of Things connects devices to collect and exchange data. None of these trends emphasize audience engagement through interactions as a primary function in the same way that social media does.