The term 'big data' refers to data sets that are:

The term 'big data' refers to data sets that are too large to be processed by conventional tools. This definition encompasses various dimensions of data that include volume, velocity, variety, and veracity, which make traditional data processing techniques inadequate. Big data challenges traditional data management methods because its sheer size and complexity often exceed the capabilities of standard databases and analysis tools. This is why organizations increasingly turn to specialized technologies like distributed computing and machine learning to manage and analyze big data.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of big data. While structured data is part of the big data landscape, it is not exclusively structured; big data often includes unstructured and semi-structured data. Additionally, limiting big data to social media applications is misleading, as it spans a wide range of domains, including finance, healthcare, and more. Lastly, the idea that big data can be easily managed with standard databases contradicts the very definition of big data, as it is inherently challenging to handle with traditional database management systems.