Social networking sites

Social Networking

Social Networking is the way by which the 21^st century communicates today…..

A social Networking service is an online service, platform or site that focuses on building relationships among people who share interests or activities. A social network service essentially consists of representation of each user’s profile, his/her social links and a variety of additional service.

It is because the internet contains millions of individuals who are looking to meet other people, share information and experiences and interested in making new friends. When it comes to online social networking, websites are commonly used and these websites are called as social networking sites. Social networking sites functions like an online community of internet users. Social networking sites allow user to share ideas, activities, events and interests within their individual networks.

Popular methods of Social networking are Facebook and Twitter, which are widely used worldwide.

Emerging trends of Social Networking

Social Networking often involves specific individuals or organizations together. While there are numbers of social networking websites that focuses on particular interest, there are others that do not. The social networking websites which do not focus on particular interest have usually open memberships. This means that anyone can become a member irrespective of their hobbies, beliefs etc. once we become the member, we can make our own community and can begin our own network of friends.

One popular use of this is social networking between businesses. Companies have found that social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter are great ways to build their brand image. They are also using the social networking sites for getting information about their products.

One other use that is being discussed is the use of social networks in the science communities. Social networking is allowing scientific groups to expand their knowledge base and share ideas, and without these new means of communicating their theories might become "isolated and irrelevant".

Social networks are also being used by teachers and students as a communication tool. Because many students are already using a wide-range of social networking sites, teachers have begun to familiarize themselves with this trend and are now using it to their advantage.

Some of the social networking sites are:-

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Networking

Social networking is a recent invention that has the Internet still at the edge of its seat due to its popularity with people. This is mostly because it really is for the people. Bringing every kind of social group together in one place and letting them interact is really a big thing indeed. Everything about it lies on the advantages and disadvantages of social networking, and what it can do for us.

Interpersonal communication

Interpersonal communication has been a growing issue as more and more people have turned to social networking as a means of communication. Further, social networking sites have become popular sites for youth culture to explore them, relationships, and share cultural artifacts.

Low Costs

Definitely, it's cheaper to use online social networking for both personal and business use because most of it is usually free. While personal use is rather simple for anyone, the business functions are underestimated by many. In a social networking site, you can scout out potential customers and target markets with just a few clicks and keystrokes, adding a boost to your usual advertisements and promotional strategies. It lets you learn about their likes and dislikes, which is tremendous. If you want to fine tune your business, then this is the way to go, whether on a budget or not.

Builds Credibility

You definitely can gain the customers' confidence if you can connect to them on both a personal and professional level. Despite having to do a bit of work, it definitely pays off as you can be tapped for an offer if someone catches wind of your products or services. As long as you don't pursue them too aggressively, you will do well here.

Connections

You are friends with people who have other friends, and so on. There is potential in such a common situation. By using a social networking site, you can do what you can and get connected with these people to form a web of connections that can give you leverage if you play your cards right. As long as you give as well as you receive, then they will most likely stick with you. These connections are definitely valuable in the long run.

Access to information

Many social networking services, such as Facebook, provide the user with a choice of who can view their profile. This prevents unauthorized users from accessing their information. This facility helps the user prevent unwanted viewing the profile from unknown users.

Government Applications

Social networking is more recently being used by various government agencies. Social networking tools serve as a quick and easy way for the government to get the opinion of the public and to keep the public updated on their activity.

Business Applications

Social networks connect people at low cost; this can be beneficial for entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to expand their contact bases. Companies can also use social networks for advertising in the form of banners and text ads.

One example of social networking being used for business purposes is LinkedIn.com, which aims to interconnect professionals. LinkedIn has over 100 million users in over 200 countries.

Social and Political Applications

Social networking sites have recently showed a value in social and political movements. In the Anna Hazare’s movement against corruption, Facebook and Twitter both played an important role in keeping people connected to the revolt. 

I am sure today that you all are aware of the dangers associated with the social networking including those of data theft and viruses which are on a rise. The most common and prevalent dangers involves the online individuals who claim to be someone that they are not. Some of the disadvantages are:

Lack of Anonymity

You are putting out information about your name, location, age, gender, and many other types of information that you may not want to let others know. Most people would say be careful, but no one can be certain at any given time. As long as people can know who you exactly are, then some can find ways to do you in.

Scams and Harassment

There is a potential for failure of security in both personal and business context. While many sites apply certain measures to keep any of these cases of harassment, cyber-stalking, online scams, and identity theft to an absolute minimum, you still may never know.

Time consuming

As social networking sites have risen in popularity over the past years, people have been spending an excess amount of time on social networking sites and on the Internet in general. The excessive amount of time that people spend on social networking sites has led researchers to debate the establishment of Internet addiction as an actual clinical disorder.

Now, there is something which is really to think about. There is nothing in this world which doesn’t have disadvantages or blemish but those of this type of networking shouldn't really be that much of a concern regarding your safety. As long as you go along without making big mistakes, then it is all good. Once you understand the advantages and disadvantages of social networking, then you can cruise through without fail.