Social Networking

Social Networking technologies can be used in a numerous amount of ways. Here are some of the ways that these technologies can be used and their benefits. Many use it to keep in touch with old family or friends or get reacquainted with someone from their past. Big companies or small business advertise there merchandise, services etc,to the public (their target market) and can draw in more clientèle and/or business opportunities. Others share their ideas with people and get feedback which can help them put those ideas into something real and tangible. Some people even start charities or organizations to help others in need, and many people provide advice on something that they are somewhat of an expert about to others looking for that specific information. Musicians use to it to promote their music in hopes of getting gigs or one day making it big. Social Networking is huge, and whether its corporate or personal, it can be very advantageous. Like the youtube video, Social Networking in Plain English, you can get free customer reviews without advertising and give yourself the chance to do what you want and say what you want thanks to blogs, podcasts, and video sharing.

However, there can always be a dark side to these technologies as well. For example, Facebook and Myspace. Of course, its a good way to keep in touch with your family and friends or share your opinions and views on different things, but there is also sexual harassment issues as well, which was stated in the class lecture notes. Due to facebook/myspace comments, you can have people leaving inappropriate comments or inbox messages to you which isn't what you wanted when you signed up for these sites. Now with everything in this world, there are pros and cons to these sort of things, but sexual harassment can also lead to stalking and rape. There have been several cases of young women being stalked on facebook which can lead to a number of dangerous outcomes. And yes, many will say that there are privacy options one can make on facebook and myspace and yes, its your choice to accept someone or not especially if you don't know them, but its still an important issue that should be taken into consideration, especially with young children.

What I like about these technologies is that anyone can put their ideas into writing or videos and show the world what they want to be done or changed. These ideas can start as just a thought but can become something so huge and lead to many good things. There are some down points to it, but you have to take the good with the bad, and social networking can put a whole new twist on technologies that can only help it evolve into bigger and better opportunities for society.