Periscope: An apparatus consisting of a tube attached to a set of mirrors or prisms, by which an observer (typically in a submerged submarine or behind a high obstacle) can see things that are otherwise out of sight.

That’s the definition that comes from the Oxford dictionary. So how far off from the truth is the actual definition of ‘periscope’ versus the newest groundbreaking social media platform/app that bears the same name?

It’s pretty darn close.

Periscope is the live video streaming app that has recently been making headlines everywhere you turn. This app allows us to take a peek into the everyday flavors and interesting lives that each and every one of us lives all over the world, in real time. If you are curious about what it’s like in Paris today, you are now able to tune into a broadcast from the city of love at this very instant.

In early 2015, Periscope was acquired by Twitter for $100 million as Twitter foresaw the marketing weapon that Periscope is and will grow up to be.

Photo: Danijel Berkovic

Simply tune into the periscope and you’ll clue in on live videos streaming from people at festivals, speeches that are being given, people sharing knowledge and even riots from troubled corners of the world, all of which are being covered by folks who want to be heard. These are the ones that want their voice to matter. It’s almost as if one is now given a unique opportunity to employ themselves in their own news anchor profession from square one.

So now, I question the future of society and the overall acceptance of Periscope as the lead social network some years from now after it has catapulted to the level of Facebook (possibly). I wonder if all the live streaming that we will partake in on a daily basis will influence a world full of broader cultural acceptance to the speed of actually seeing things happening through our own eyes. Not just through status updates or pictures, but through watching those that are more fortunate lend a helping hand to those on the streets that are less fortunate. Picture this: you’re viewing a man at this very moment in Chicago literally giving the shirt off his back to a man in an alley who bears a cold, weathered face.

Amanda Tress, Periscope professional Photo: Immerse Photography

Social media and Periscope expert Amanda Tress, who holds seminars around the United States on how to get the most out of your presence online by building your personal brand, took some time to speak with us and fill us in on what she knows about this hot new app and how to use it to maximize your real potential.

DC LIFE MAGAZINE: You are an expert within social media, Periscope in particular. Give us a little background on yourself and how this all came to be.

Amanda Tress Photo: Immerse Photography

AT: One needs to be sure to cross-promote with other social media. For example, if a small business has a Facebook, most people won’t find it organically. But Twitter and Periscope are linked because of the Twitter acquisition. Twitter followers can see that they are scopers and in turn, more potential traffic is gained.

With periscope, current happenings are easily broadcast in real time Photo: Piclady.com

AT: Let’s use a Musician for example. This person can build a following even more powerfully than before. In other words, more good musicians are able to bless people with their music. I recall a musician really late on a Friday night playing his guitar and singing as he was accepting any song request for $25 and would play it right now in real time. In an hour, this musician made $125! People are so excited and continue to request song after song to share with their followers as a said musician continues to use their passion as a service.