Miami University has gotten on board with the latest craze in social networking: Pinterest.

According to University Communications Social Media Specialist Kelly Bennett, Miami joined Pinterest, the social website that acts as a virtual pin board, early this semester.

Bennett said one of the reasons for joining the site was to strengthen Miami’s brand.

“It kind of shows Miami in a nutshell,” Bennett said.

Sophomore Pinterest user Gabby Trojanowski said Pinterest is, “a way to collect all your favorite images and links.” Trojankowski said users can then categorize these “pins” and share them with friends.

Rather than posting your thoughts or your own pictures like with Facebook and Twitter, Trojanowski said Pinterest is more idea-focused. But just like these other social networks, she said Pinterest has proved to be just as addictive.

“I could totally sit and pin all day,” Trojanowski said. “It doesn’t take much.”

Trojanowski said Miami’s Pinterest presence is a good idea.

“I think it’s kind of cool for [Miami] to try to get into any type of media communication,” Trojankowski said.

On its profile, Miami has pin boards featuring photos and videos about campus, RedHawk sports, Oxford, Miami Mergers, study abroad destinations, quotes, other universities, dining, Miami history and “love and honor.”

Bennett said one of the best things about Pinterest is how visual it is.

“It’s just very visual, and I think that’s what appeals to all types of people,” Bennett said.

According to Bennett, prospective students, current students and alumni can all find value in Miami’s Pinterest page. She said prospective students can get a glimpse of what Miami is like and current students and alumni can share their passion for Miami.

Sophomore Caitlin Roney follows Miami’s Pinterest and said the page is a good idea.

“I know [Miami has] a Facebook [page] and all kinds of Twitter [accounts], but it’s good that they’re keeping up with the new social media trends,” Roney said.

Bennett said the Pinterest page would likely include pin boards for other areas of the university in the future.

“We’re going to try to add more about student life and student activities,” Bennett said.

According to Bennett, other universities have begun to use Pinterest as well. Bennett also said that according to a post from Educational Marketing Group, Miami is the most followed higher education institution on Pinterest. Miami has nearly 700 followers.

Roney said although females mostly use Pinterest, the site has the potential to really make a splash.

“Once everybody catches on to it, it’s going to be the next type of Twitter,” she said.