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Social Networking on the Internet |
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Social Networking on the Internet |
The Internet provides a variety of services and tools that allow people from all over the world to form virtual communities. A social network service assists in the creation of online social networks for communities of people who share interests and activities, or who are interested in exploring the interests and activities of others.
Most social network services are primarily web based and provide a collection of various ways for users to interact, such as chat , messaging , email , video , voice chat , file sharing , blogging , discussion groups, and so on.
According to a recent survey conducted by the Pew Institute as part of its Internet and American Life Project:
" More than half (55%) of all online American youths ages 12-17 use online social networking sites...The survey also finds that older teens, particularly girls, are more likely to use these sites. For girls, social networking sites are primarily places to reinforce pre-existing friendships; for boys, the networks also provide opportunities for flirting and making new friends."
What about the hidden hazards of such sites as Facebook, MySpace, and so on? What are the potential drawbacks of a virtual community where anyone can present a manufactured, fictional identity to anyone else. Do users really know to whom they are talking and with whom they are swapping confidential, personal information?
This week we will explore the world of web-based social networks. To familiarize yourself with the subject, please take some time to visit the following sites and read these online articles:
Now, let's visit some social networking web sites:
