A sharing sidebar is a navigational element typically found on various online platforms and websites, providing users with the ability to easily share content across different social media platforms or communication channels. This sidebar is usually located adjacent to or integrated within the main content of a webpage or application interface.
The sharing sidebar is designed to enhance user experience and encourage the dissemination of information on social networks or other digital communication platforms. It typically consists of a set of icons or buttons representing popular social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram, as well as email or messaging apps.
Users can interact with this sidebar by clicking on the icons or buttons related to their preferred platform or method of sharing. Upon clicking, a sharing dialog box or pop-up window is typically displayed, allowing users to customize the content they wish to share or add accompanying comments before publishing. This enables users to effortlessly distribute webpage links, articles, images, videos, or other forms of media with their online connections or contacts.
The sharing sidebar serves as a convenient and efficient method for individuals to amplify the reach of content and increase its visibility. It assists in generating traffic to webpages or applications, fostering engagement, and facilitating social connections by providing an intuitive and easily accessible sharing mechanism.
The term "sharing sidebar" is a combination of two words: "sharing" and "sidebar".
The word "sharing" is derived from the Old English word "scearu", meaning "a part or division", which later evolved into the Middle English word "shere". It carries the concept of distributing or dividing something among multiple people.
The word "sidebar" refers to a vertical column or panel present in a website or application interface, typically placed alongside the main content area. The term "sidebar" originates from the printing industry, where it referred to a column of supplementary information placed alongside the main text.
Therefore, the etymology of the term "sharing sidebar" is the combination of the concept of distributing or dividing something, with the layout element of a vertical panel placed alongside the main content.