The rapid expansion of social networks has come under a lot of scrutiny in recent years and rightly so. With millions of users and a huge array of different networks, social networking has entered into the mainstream and from the looks of it, it will remain the same way for a coming decade or so. Simply put, social networking is a term used to describe the use of certain social networks to communicate and interact with each other. Whether it is done through a cell phone, laptop or a desktop computer, social networking allows people to catch up with others anywhere in the world, transcending geographical boundaries. By simply creating a profile or a folio, you put yourself at the doorway to some of the world’s largest social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter.
But there is a problem. While social networking has made a huge impact in our lifestyles and its impact is likely to be there for a number of years, it does have its own fair share of problems. As with all other forms of technology, no matter what they would have you believe, there are always a few negatives against the seemingly endless plethora of benefits. From being at the risk of exposing yourself to unwanted people to having your personal data hacked, social networking is not as glorious as it is made out to be. Still though, as thousands of people join in the revolution every day, it would be fair enough to judge social networking from a completely unbiased perspective. (Business Insider)
While for those who are unacquainted in understanding the popularity of Facebook may be a little hard, it is actually quite easy to understand the reasons behind the networks growing popularity. For starters, the fact that Facebook is free of charge is something that has attracted people from all walks of life. When there is no charge, there is no harm in trying. With the ability to sync with your email address, Facebook enables you to connect to almost anyone anywhere in the world and for this reason, it is regarded as a remarkable tool to look up old friends. Since its inception, Facebook has come a long way in terms of security and it allows users to safeguard their personal information. If you do not want to share your personal information with strangers, you do not have to do so. Lastly, another major reason why Facebook has become so popular is down to the ease of use. With a simple, happening interface, it is useable for everyone and you don’t necessarily have to be computer smart to use it. (D’Onfro)
On the other hand however, Facebook is coming under increasing scrutiny from various critics due to certain reasons. As helpful as it is, Facebook is actually quite addicting and you can end up wasting several hours doing practically nothing. Although the security settings have come a long way, a lot of people have raised questions over the way Facebook can access all your personal information. Furthermore, the fact that it has over a billion users entails that you are likely to get stalked quite often. (D’Onfro)
Another social network which has made quite an impact is Whatsapp, a free to use mobile application that has practically rendered the highly popular BBM useless. The benefits of using Whatsapp are quite obvious, really. Free of charge, Whatsapp allows people to interact with anyone anywhere in the world, given you have a working sim card. With a smooth interface, it is very easy to use and there are no complex options and settings to worry about. While a lot of other instant messaging app’s flood users with endless hoards of useless and bothersome advertisements, Whatsapp has made it a point not to annoy you while you are in the middle of a conversation. (Laptop Mag)
But there are certain downsides as well. As Whatsapp requires a working cellular number, having a fully functioning sim card is a must. Although it is cost free, users still have to pay 0.90$ at the end of each year for renewal. Also, while it may not be such a worry to some, Whatsapp has no such security settings and anyone on your contact list can view your profile. (Laptop Mag)
Sure enough, Social networking has something to offer for photography lovers as well. With Instagram, you can upload your favorite photos and videos and share them with your loved ones. (PC Mag)
The first application that allowed iPhone users to upload photos, Instagram has millions of users and the numbers keep growing every day. To begin with, Instagram gives a certain meaning and value to your photos. Photos set in different backgrounds and taken in certain scenarios have their own artistic feel about them. With everyone from celebrities to your next door neighbor on it, Instagram enables you to follow others and view their photos. (PC Mag)
However, what adds value to it brings its downfall as well. These days, muscle bound guys and teenage girls put up their personal photos without caring about the consequences that could arise. Unknowingly, you can amass several stalkers, some of which do not have the best of intentions to say the least. Also, while Facebook was the first social network to highlight the depressive effects of social comparison, Instagram can make things even worse by exaggerating the quality of your friends lives and how your life looks pale in comparison. (PC Mag)
So there we have it, a detailed look at social networking and its impact on our lives. One thing is for sure and that is that regardless of its fair share of negatives, it has to be said that Facebook is by far the best social network there is. With over a billion of users and seemingly endless plethora of options, Mark Zuckerberg’s brainchild has defined social networking.
Works Cited
D'Onfro, Jillian. "Here's How To Check Out Your 20 Biggest Moments Of 2013 On Facebook." Business Insider. Business Insider, Inc, 9 Dec. 2013. Web. 9 Feb. 2014. <http://www.businessinsider.com/facebook-year-in-review-2013-12>.
"Instagram (for iPhone)." PCMAG. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Feb. 2014. <http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2387146,00.asp>.
"WhatsApp Review." LAPTOP Magazine. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Feb. 2014. <http://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/apps/whatsapp.aspx>.
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