EN
The article aims at explaining what stands behind such a big success and popularity of social media. Author presents the Web 2.0 concept and basic characteristics of social media. It explains the reasons why company should be involved in the creation of online communities and participate in them. It presents the results of several researches showing current trends in the way customers communicate with companies and the changes in their expectations. The author tries to explain the main reasons why social platforms are gaining popularity and what are the challenges as well as opportunities for business concerning those changes.