Communication in Social Networks
Abstract
Everything in world undergoes its continuous changes. Though unknown is always frightening, it also affirms the beginning of something new and thrilling. The same can be said about the invention of social networking. In the midst of social media revolution such social networks as Facebook, Twitter and Skype have opened before their users an amazing world of opportunities and unlimited online communication.
Knowledge and information could now be shared among various groups of people and even between different nationalities. People got the possibility to connect with the whole world and highly improve their communication skills.
Although social networks have also created some challenges too. Every new social networking website also brings changes in real life communication. As a result people became so addicted to such networks that they were gradually loosing interest to face-to-face communication. Even in restaurants, instead of sharing a meal with others at their table, those anti-social couch potatoes could not miss a chance to text or update their Facebook status.
This paper describes how social networking sites are influencing different groups of people nowadays and what are its main advantages and disadvantages in modern world of constant technologic innovations.
Communication in Social Networks
Internet is definitely one of the greatest inventions of the last century. For about fifty years now, it has presented an immeasurable world of information, entertainment, online shopping and banking, e-mail services and many other services that our grandparents and great grandparents could not even dream of. However, the real world of the Internet is not as perfect as it may seem at first sight. Not all sites as well as information they contain are in fact so good or useful. Moreover, there is also too much advertising instead of actual information that makes the process of finding appropriate material and established facts more complicated and takes more hours. This virtual space has had a considerable influence on society as a whole and on life style of every individual in particular.
With the progress in technology in relatively short period of time, the Internet has substantially modified the usual way of personal communication. For the majority of people nowadays social networking sites have undoubtedly become the best revolutionary invention or evolution ever and at same time an incontestable part of everyday life. As almost everyone has accounts on social networking sites such as Facebook, Tumblr, LinkedIn or Twitter that are checked and updated daily, we stopped to understand an apparent Internet and social networking addiction. People became so obsessed with their online life and reputation that they were gradually loosing their connection with the real world (Didelot, 2013). Sometimes their online reputation predominated over existing one and they could not give it up even for a day. The problem is that in most cases the bound between reality and virtual world is completely obliterated and people simply do not realize it. Therefore, online communication discourages face-to-face communication and can even transform people into social networking zombies.
Years ago, before the existence of social networking, people could spend their time with much benefit than simply surfing the Internet or updating personalized profile. They visited museums, were enthusiastic theatre and opera lovers, did not miss a chance to make a trek to the country or meet with their friends to have a frank talk. The situation, however, has radically changed in last few years. Instead of active rest, most began to prefer to stay at home and waste their precious time in different social networking sites. Such sites though, are not more than useless time killers where five minutes always stretch into minimum for an hour or so.
If popularity in high school was earlier something of importance for a lot of people, now it has completely lost its significance. Today, popularity depends on the amount of followers on Twitter or Instagram. In Tumblr, for instance, users with the high number of followers will be considered “Tumblr famous” and be some sort of big celebrity (Boyd, 2008). Despite of the ridiculousness of the situation, happiness for many people in fact depends on the number of followers and “likes”. In such way they express their ego and convince themselves that they are idols for others and have a lot of friends who love and respect them. These arrogant human beings do not often have real personal life and just exist in their virtual space which seems for them more ideal than difficult reality world.
All social networking websites are suggesting the idea that people will obtain recognition and achieve greatness if thousands of strangers are acquainted with their faces. Popularity stopped to be measured with the number of true friends and the ability to be held in high respect among them as well as other strangers. Actually it was now about simply being known for completely nothing.
Social media’s effect on people’s ability to interact and communicate is apparent in all areas of society (Albrechtslund, 2008). According to different studies on the topic of social networking sites, modern world is now experiencing a change in the way of communication. Most are inclined to mediated communication rather than face-to-face interaction. In other words, people prefer to email than meet in person and text rather than talk on the phone or run to their friends. The fact is that on the one hand, modern socially active era makes life much easier but on the other hand, it is inevitably creating laziness.
Another extremely important disadvantage of the social networking is concerned with the reduction of family closeness. Last generations used to spend their evenings in family heart to heart talks sharing their feelings and problems, simply speaking about day’s news or watching movies. Though they did not have all opportunities and entertainment people have now, they were fully satisfied with life and appreciated the time spent with their families and friends. What one can see now is step-by-step alienation of each individual from their families. A lot of human beings, especially teenagers, prefer surfing the Internet or interacting with friends in various social networking sites instead of devoting time to their families and experiencing the warmth and sincerity of family reunion.
Facebook and other social networking sites really destroy the image of true human communication (Lenhart, 2009). It often happens that the person communicating online and the one you are interacting with in real life tend to be two completely different personalities. Sometimes those who seem exceedingly outgoing and magniloquent online could not even put two words together in reality because of lack of communication skills. Besides, communicating in Facebook, one will never be able to sense the emotion or enthusiasm from other person. There will always exist a suspicion whether people really mean what they say or they are just disguising their actual feelings. As for friendship in social networking sites, sitting in front of a computer making ‘chat friends’ is not the same as actually meeting people (Barnes, 2006). Only when you see the face of your collocutor, will you be able to assess the frankness of words and feelings and also fully understand that person.
However, as any thing in the world the topic of social networking has two sides too. That’s why we can not neglect several advantages Internet is offering us. First of all, social networking sites provide the immediate access to other sources of information. The latest information from all over the world is available to you, in your home, at any hour of the day or night (Barnes, 2006). A lot of people are using different social networks to promote their products or offer their services. Online shopping, for example, makes it possible to search through various social groups to find exactly what you want at reasonable price, saving thus time and money.
Secondly, different social networking sites are really helpful as free online connections. People utilize them to communicate with family and friends all over the globe. They are easy and convenient in application and allow everyone to connect with loving ones who can be thousands miles away in a matter of seconds. Thanks to social networks, it becomes possible to find old friends from school or college that you have lost touch with due to some reasons or reunite with relatives that destiny has scattered in various parts of the world. If people do not have an opportunity to meet in real life because of far distance, health problems or money matters, social networks will always be there to connect with them online, build better relationship and keep track of their lives and events just in the distance.
One more advantage of social networking sites is surely the possibility to find job online. There are a lot of companies which offer different vacancies online for full pay workers as well as those who are looking for part time jobs (Leanne, 2012). It is possible to earn sufficient amount of money not even leaving your house. This is especially helpful for people with health problems or disabilities, who obtain a chance to try themselves in something.
Finally, social networks are reducing communication barriers to a considerable degree. Due to Facebook and Twitter, people are able to voice their opinions, share their thoughts on various topics with a large amount of audiences and obtain useful feedbacks. By joining chat groups or newsgroups, everyone can share their hobbies and particular interests, and probably make friends all over the globe. When interacting online, human beings forget about their fears of speaking in public or face-to-face and find it much easier to trust those on the other end of the communication (Dorsch, 2009). As there is not any necessity to deepen relationships online, they can easily exist in the status quo. Lastly, you can always find a lot of adherents in social networks and connect with others with similar interests or even similar problems. The communication with such people will not only bring psychic income, spiritual development and broadening of outlook but will also prepare for real-life situations of human interactions.
Regardless of several advantages, social networking sites still have more bad points than good ones. On the one hand, they connect people on the whole universe and provide access to all kinds of information from dozens of countries and libraries. On the other hand, the constant use of social media can grow into addiction to its users (Summers, 2011). As a result people began to spend more time posting something on their pages or just checking other’s posts than simply communicating with their parents or going out with friends.
Free access to different sources may also have negative effect on many teenagers’ lives. Social media sites as ways of entertainments can though be unfavorably reflected on children’s behavoiur, struggles in school and active communication. Many forms of violence such as revolts, sniper attacks or gun battles that are widely used in social media are transforming teenagers into more aggressive and offensive creatures. Various researchers prove that juveniles extensively utilizing social media and network sites are more inclined to use alcohol, drugs as well as being sexually active, violent and moody.
Thus, despite of being a good invention, social networking sites are at the same time considered to be the end of good communication. Life of teenagers of modern world is less adventurous and exciting than that of their older generations. Though they are keeping pace with the latest trends and are in the center of all events, they look like anti-social couch potatoes, living in their isolated virtual worlds. In order to let young people enjoy life in real world there should be a break from social networks sufficient to feel the taste of reality once again.
Annotated Bibliography
Albrechtslund, A. Online Social Networking as Participatory Surveillance. Peer- Reviewed Journal on the Internet, 2008, 13(3), pp. 11-15.
The article deals with social aspects of surveillance as well as existence of potential dangers of surveillance in the Web. It stresses the necessity of taking all measures to avoid these dangers. The purpose of the article is to present online social networking as an opportunity to review the concept of surveillance.
Barnes, S. A privacy paradox: Social networking in the United States. Peer- Reviewed Journal on the Internet, 2006, 64 (9), pp. 9-15.
The article examines privacy in social networks and its discrepancy with the potential misuse of personal information. The author sees awareness as a key to solving the solution. The article also emphasizes people’s need to protect their privacy on the Internet.
Boyd, D. & Ellison, N. Social network sites: Definition, history and scholarship. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 2008, 13(1), pp. 210-230.
The article describes the history of such social network sites as BlackPlanet, Facebook, MySpace and YouTube focusing on multiple theoretical and methodological angles. The importance of social network sites in the lives of users is especially highlighted. The research is trying to demonstrate how networked practices reflect and modify everyday practices.
Didelot, P. The History Of Social Media. When Did It Really Begin? You May Be Surprised. Inquisitr. New Worth Sharing, 2013, p. 2.
The article traces back the beginning of the social media history. It dwells on the rise of first emails blogging and reveals what networking sites were the most popular in 1969.
Dorsch, Meagan & Pare Greenberg. What You Need To Know About Social Networking. State Legislatures, 2009, 35 (7), p.7.
The article discusses the influence of social networking and social media on older generations. The author explains the need of a politician to utilize social networking and gives prominence to “eight things” politicians should know before creating their own site.
Leanne, C, McGrath,. Social Media and Employment: Is there a limit? Interdisciplinary Journal Of Contemporary Research In Business, 2012, 4(1), pp. 17-24.
The article analyzes in details how employers using began to ask potential employees the information about their social media passwords in order to find out more about their personalities. The inappropriate use of online information may in future become a dilemma for the employee and lawful sensitiveness for the employer.
Lenhart, A. Adults and Social Network Websites. Pew Research Center, 2009, 37(3), pp. 18-21.
The article investigates the reasons of the increase of American adult Internet users’ profiles on an online social network site in comparison with four years ago. The research found out that 89% use their online profiles to keep up with friends, 57% use their profile to make plans with friends and 49% use them to make new friends. 2,253 Americans took part in the survey, including 1,650 internet users.
Summers, Amy. Facebook Addiction Disorder – The 6 Symptoms of F.A.D. Social Times, 2011, p. 3-5.
The article examines the social networking addictions concentrating on the Facebook example. It gives particular symptoms of people transforming into Internet addicted and considers the process of conversion of Facebook addition into Facebook addiction disorder.
Research question: What are some of advantages and disadvantages of using social networking sites?
HW: Complete “Locating Sources”
Terms: Social networking sites, account, profile, to update, to check, follower, “like”, face-to-face communication, Internet addiction
Social Networking Addiction
Anderson, M.T. (2002) Feed. Massachusetts: Candlewick Press.
Osgood, Kevin (Director). (2010, November 2010). Social Media Addiction: Are You At Risk? YouTube. Video retrieved from http://youtu.be/HQ8AUBn-4DY
Summers, Amy. (May 2, 2011)Facebook Addiction Disorder – The 6 Symptoms of F.A.D. Retrieved from http://socialtimes.com/facebook-addiction-disorder-the-6-symptoms-of-f-a-d_b60403
Whittaker, Zack. (September 12, 2011) Five (serious) symptoms of Facebook addiction. Retrieved http://www.zdnet.com/blog/igeneration/five-serious-symptoms-of-facebook-addiction/12034
Disadvantages of Social Networking Addiction
http://royal.pingdom.com/2010/02/16/study-ages-of-social-network-users/
http://www.whatissocialnetworking.com/Addicted_to_Social_Sites.html
http://www.ehow.com/list_6966403_types-internet-addiction.html
http://brainblogger.com/2011/01/07/social-network-addiction-a-scientific-no-mans-land/
http://successfulblogger.hubpages.com/hub/Facebook-A-Social-Networking-Addiction
http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/sec/2010/092710sec1.html
Kozik, T. (2011, October 27). This Week In. Retrieved from Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ma-IPmbYcyQ
Hudson, J. S. (n.d.). The Future of Social Gaming. Retrieved from Inside Virtual Goods: http://www.insidevirtualgoods.com/future-social-gaming/
Albrechtslund, A. Online Social Networking as Participatory Surveillance. Peer- Reviewed Journal on the Internet, 2008, 13(3), pp. 11-15.
Barnes, S. A privacy paradox: Social networking in the United States. Peer- Reviewed Journal on the Internet, 2006, 64 (9), pp. 9-15.
Boyd, D. & Ellison, N. Social network sites: Definition, history and scholarship. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 2008, 13(1), pp. 210-230.
Didelot, P. The History Of Social Media. When Did It Really Begin? You May Be Surprised. Inquisitr. New Worth Sharing, 2013, p. 2.
Dorsch, Meagan & Pare Greenberg. What You Need To Know About Social Networking. State Legislatures, 2009, 35 (7), p.7.
Leanne, C, McGrath,. Social Media and Employment: Is there a limit? Interdisciplinary Journal Of Contemporary Research In Business, 2012, 4(1), pp. 17-24.
Lenhart, A. Adults and Social Network Websites. Pew Research Center, 2009, 37(3), pp. 18-21.
Summers, Amy. Facebook Addiction Disorder – The 6 Symptoms of F.A.D. Social Times, 2011, p. 3-5.
HW: Complete “Source List”
1. Osgood, Kevin (Director). (2010, November 2010). Social Media Addiction: Are You At Risk? YouTube. Video retrieved from http://youtu.be/HQ8AUBn-4DY
2. Summers, Amy. (May 2, 2011)Facebook Addiction Disorder – The 6 Symptoms of F.A.D. Retrieved from http://socialtimes.com/facebook-addiction-disorder-the-6-symptoms-of-f-a-d_b60403
3. Whittaker, Zack. (September 12, 2011) Five (serious) symptoms of Facebook addiction. Retrieved http://www.zdnet.com/blog/igeneration/five-serious-symptoms-of-facebook-addiction/12034
4. http://www.whatissocialnetworking.com/Addicted_to_Social_Sites.html
5. Didelot, P. The History Of Social Media. When Did It Really Begin? You May Be Surprised. Inquisitr. New Worth Sharing, 2013, p. 2.
6. Dorsch, Meagan & Pare Greenberg. What You Need To Know About Social Networking. State Legislatures, 2009, 35 (7), p.7.
7. Boyd, D. & Ellison, N. Social network sites: Definition, history and scholarship. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 2008, 13(1), pp. 210-230.
8. http://successfulblogger.hubpages.com/hub/Facebook-A-Social-Networking-Addiction
9. http://royal.pingdom.com/2010/02/16/study-ages-of-social-network-users/
10. ABC. (2009, November 9). Addicted to Facebook? YouTube. Video retrieved from http://youtu.be/a7MorwJIPCE
