Final answer:
Social media platforms differentiate themselves from traditional media companies through real-time communication, specific audience targeting, and concerns over misinformation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Social media platforms typically characterize themselves as different from traditional media companies in several ways. Firstly, social media allows for instantaneous communication and sharing of information among users, while traditional media has more structured processes for creating and disseminating content. Secondly, social media platforms often appeal to a younger audience and serve specific functions, such as facilitating discussion or focusing on professional connections. Lastly, social media has been criticized for allowing the spread of misinformation and hate speech, leading to calls for increased regulation and censorship.