The Impact of Social Network on Our Life
Over the past decade, the nature of the web, internet access, and other internet applications have become increasingly useful to the normal lives of human beings. Carmela argues that, “the Internet creates new ways for citizens to communicate, congregate, and share information of a social nature. It is obvious that the Internet has and will continue to change the way we live.” Of notable importance is the importance and popularity of social networks and social networking sites (SNSs) on daily human activities. Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, MySpace, Blogs, LinkedIn, Wikis, and Second Life are just but some of the many social networking options currently available on the internet. The social networking sites are increasingly used by many a person from all ages to connect and interact with one another. An 2009 eMarketer report points out the SNSs are the fastest growing Web 2.0 services and pointed that 52 per cent of internet users will be using social networking sites by 2012. The uses of social networking sites cannot be underestimated and they vary according to different individuals/groups. Beginning as simple forms of communication and interaction, social networks and social networking sites are largely transmogrifying the lives of human beings. In light of the evidences, this paper will be developed based on the perspective that the impact of social networking on our life is so profound, because social networking is more than a tool for people to connect with other people. In order to support this standpoint, the benefits, uses, and as well, the disadvantages of social networking sites will be assessed.
Social Network Benefits, uses, and disadvantages
"The use or establishment of social networks or connections; (now esp.) the use of
Web sites which enable users to interact with one another, find, and contact people with
common interests, etc."
Nowadays, the internet and the web are no longer a domain reserved for individuals with expertise in computer programming skills. At this age, an average internet is capable of creating repositories of knowledge on Wikis, form relationships with like-minded individuals, develop points of reference through social bookmarking sites, and as well, share media files over the internet (Raine). With such an avenue provided by social networking sites, internet users are not limited to what they are capable of doing.
Share information
Social networks and networking sites have become the avenue where internet users have formed an online community for seeking and sharing information. The rate of information sharing on social networking sites is unusually high and it is determined by the level of connectivity and engagement with other users (Buzzom). This rate represents a valuable source of information for different domains such as e-commerce platforms. By understanding the nature of information sharing on SNSs, companies, individuals, and organizations can further their projects by capitalizing on the increased rate associated with information sharing on the internet.
The sky seems to be the limit for social networking sites as Hoover from PCWorld argues that,
“it's possible that these social networking tools are just the beginning of something, that they could lead to ways of finding and interacting with one another we never imagined,
but whatever happens, you can't dismiss these tools easily (Hoover, PCWorld).3.2 Service Provision
Social networking sites provide an ideal platform for individuals to share their thinking and expand their learning capabilities from peers and networks. Individuals are able to discuss personal issues, business issues, and social issues without having to attend any conference or workshops. This leads to the creation of a big society.
Promotion of education and news
Educational institutions, libraries, and academic related firms to promote educational materials and news have embraced SNSs and social networking platforms. For instance, library services have adopted approaches whereby an information-sharing link is pasted on popular networking sites for students and librarians can collaborate in sharing educational information and/or news (Connell 26). Blogs and Wikis are encouraging students interact and collaborate by posting their comments or feedbacks on programs, information, or issues that affect them.
Advertise through social networking
If the correct context is selected, social networks offer one of the ideal places for advertising products over the internet. A lot of information regarding users is available on social networking sites and such information ranges to demographic characteristics to academic and professional qualification and possibly behavioral characteristics. As such, advertisers can target their adverts to suit the needs of the particular individual and eventually, generate sales and leads. According to eMarketer, the 2010 world annual budget on social network advertising was $3.2 Billion and the figure is set to increase to $4Billion in 2010. This shows that advertising on social networking sites will revolutionize the market of online advertising and expansion of revenue generating opportunities.
Interaction and Communicating
Arguably, social networks have been significant parts of human interaction and communication over the past decade. They present an interactive and useful platform that is essential for the process of sharing, providing, and exchanging information among individuals. Speaking of communication, social networking sites have transformed the manner of communication among individuals. Currently form primary means whereby individuals can connect, communicate, and interact with individuals from any place of the global provided there is internet connectivity.
Ebony posits that, “the significance placed on interaction and participation within these
social networking sites is evident in the numerous ways in which communication is
encouraged. For example, some social networking sites, such as MySpace and Facebook
offer users the ability to create sub-groups (or message boards) of people based on
similar interests” (Ebony, online conference of networks and communities).
Update your news
As earlier mentioned, there is a wide variety of information found on social networking sites. Other than facilitating the process of sharing information, social networking sites enables users to share information relating to personal issues. Examples of ways in which individuals update their news include tweeting on Twitter and Status updates on Facebook.
Conducting business
Integration of social networking tools with marketing and advertising functionalities can be used as ideal tools for driving business growth. Businesses and organizations should embrace SNSs as affordable opportunities for facilitating offline and online business initiatives. With the growing popularity and increased number of users, businesses and organizations can use less effort to market or communicate their projects to social networking users. Virtually, all organizations have social networking page a link from social networking sites to direct individuals to the company. As such, business must capitalize on opportunities presented by social networking sites to further their growth and expansion initiatives. For instance, Dell Inc. claims that it generated revenues over $3 million from posts on twitter alone.
Dominique comments on the issue of social networks on business by arguing that social networks have become fully integrated into the field of work. This can be evidenced in several sectors within the business world such as the effects of social relations to private life and work, improvement of employee-employer relationships, employee visibility, recruitment, and personal branding. It also includes creating networks for personal development, knowledge, and expertise among others.
Benefits of social networking sites
In the current information age, social networking sites have presented a profound impact due to the increased popularity among the youth and professional people alike. Social networking sites are developed to suit the needs of different groups or categories. For instance, MySpace and Friendster are very popular among individuals with related interests and passions whereas LinkedIn and Twitter is developed to suit the needs of professionally oriented individuals including those aiming to promote their businesses and careers. The following are some of the advantages associated with social networking sites.
Communication
Social networking sites offer a free platform whereby users can communicate easily with each other irrespective of their location. Social networking users can share information, hold discussions involving current issues, and reconnect with long-lost individuals and/or family members. The latest information and happenings within the community and around the world is easily communicated on social networking sites (Hogan). Arguably, social networking is referred to as the ‘Third Place’ and the evolution of communication given that the communication process is shorter with response being provided at the earliest time possible. This enables to exert a profound effect on the manner individuals get in touch with one another. Lately, social networking sites such as Facebook have introduced internet-calling services whereby users utilize Voice over Internet Protocols to communicate with others.
Discovering and getting in touch with individuals of similar interests/issues
The internet is the vehicle that enables individuals to connect in addition to acting as a locus for range of interactions through various channels. Among the popular channels to that offer a gateway and connection array is the social networking platform. Social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace, and Friendster are popular with individuals having similar interests, passions, and/or issues whereas LinkedIn and Twitter is common among professionals, celebrities, and high profile individuals. As such, persons can find like-minded individuals, interact, and share information relating to issues that affect them.
Keeping in touch with your friends and family
Social networking sites offer new avenues for people to interact because social networking channels reduce the distance between people while at the same time allowing interactions to take place within the shortest time possible. The process of communicating and getting in touch with distant relatives, colleagues, and friends is shortened from weeks to instants. For such reasons, individuals are able to maintain stronger ties and relationships with an expanded group of individuals than ever before. Equally, social networking channels such as LinkedIn and Facebook relieves individuals from the social burden of recording or maintaining contacts by offering a platform where individuals can easily track their contacts and determine the last time they connected.
Learn and share skills
Social networking sites enable individuals to learn and share a wide variety of knowledge, information, and skills that are necessary for their future. For instance, individuals become technologically proficient due to continued practice on technical aspects associated with social networking sites. Examples of such things include designing albums and uploading photos and videos unto them, creating and updating blogs, and management of online groups in case one is an administration or staff member. Categorization of items on social networking sites can enable individuals to educate themselves on varied issues that affect their lives directly or indirectly.
Disadvantages of social networking sites
Everything has \its good and bad sides and the use of social networking sites cannot be any different. The disadvantages range from security issues such as identify theft, scams, and fraud to cases of time consuming where workers cannot concentrate on productive work but rather prefer to spend their time chatting with their online friends.
Security
Security is one of the leading issues that need great care when it comes to social networking sites. Opening accounts in social networking sites involves filling out forms that require personal details to be revealed. For instance, personal location, real names, and email addresses are some of the things required to open an account with social networking sites. Due to increasing cases of fake identities on social networking sites, fraudsters can use stolen identities to commit illegal activities that might not only spoil ones image but also land him to serious troubles. Equally worrying is the lack of anonymity because scammers will find a way of getting information and using it for the wrong reasons.
Harassment and Scams
Social networking sites are associated with cases of failed security measures whether being used for personal or business purposes. As such, unauthorized individuals get access to personal private data and use the data for non-authorized reasons. Cases of cyber-stalking, harassment, identity theft, and increased online swindles are common on the internet and one might wonder how the fraudsters accessed his/her private information. This shows the dangers associated with social networking sites.
Time Consuming
Social networking sites were developed to enable individuals to connect with each other while at the same time having fun. However, overdoing it at the expense of other important factors can be irresponsible and lead to losses in terms of productivity and time. Billions of dollars in terms of productivity are lost each day when individuals spend their time on social networking sites at the expense of their work.
Discouraging for Business
Using social networking sites for facilitating business initiatives can be quite discouraging because it requires persistence, resilience, and thorough understanding of how social networks operate as far business purposes are concerned. Dion states that adding social media functionalities into products of organizations poses great challenges for organizations in efforts aimed at assembling mature sets of capabilities into business. Dion further argues that each social media requires different social identity, social architecture, and search functionality. Equally discouraging is the act of using social networks for advertisement purposes. Majority of individuals on social networking sites might not have the corporate appeal associated with the image of the business. A clear example is the case where social networking sites are filled with unnecessary images/or comments that might attract serious individuals from the corporate world. This can lead to loss of money on advertising and as well dampen the reputation of the company.
Lack of seriousness
While social networking sites were meant to help individuals to connect with friends, families, and long-lost individuals, nearly half of individuals do not have virtual friends that they have never met nor have no intention of meeting in their lifetimes. Sadly, individuals might be having more than one profile on the same social networking sites. You might never know the credibility of individuals that one interacts with on such sites. A discouraging example entails a situation where persons fake gender identities and therefore, one chats under the pretense of being a woman when, in real life situation, is a man.
Conclusion
Undeniably, it is clear that the impacts of social networking on our life are so profound, because social networking is more than a tool for people to connect with other people. Advancement in technology and increased use of the internet has transformed the manner with which individuals connect, communicate, or interact. Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, MySpace, Blogs, LinkedIn, Wikis, and Second Life are just but some of the many social networking options currently available on the internet. The social networking sites are increasingly used by many a person from all ages to connect and interact with one another. All that is required is a communication device with internet connectivity capabilities and one is connected to the world. Social networking sites are suitable for both personal and business activities. Nonetheless, social networking sites are associated with different advantages and disadvantages, and hence, great care and understanding must be taken when communicating over the internet using social networking sites.
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