Google

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Social Networking 101

Perhaps my favorite commodity of the 21st Century Digital Revolution is the multitude of social networking sites on the Interweb. I first discovered LiveJournal about seven years ago, and I've been socially hooked ever since. In recent years, my social networking has branched out to the worlds of MySpace and Facebook, as well as to the newly-popular Web2.0 sites like Last.fm and Delicious.

Social networking empowers individuals to bask in their own spotlight. When I look at my profiles, I am proud of my interests and hobbies, and I've learned that I'm a lot cooler online. It's this self-promotion that keeps our narcissistic culture coming back for more.

Through this blog, I will feature many, many social networking sites, both old and new to the World Wide Web. I'll define Web2.0 and offer examples and reviews of up-and-coming sites and utilities for net users. My readers will also indulge in various entertainment and media topics, as I plan to give all aspects of popular culture a good analysis through my writings.

Much of my content will focus on the open source movement, as well. I am a huge advocate for free information, and I plan to offer many options for completing tasks more easily and efficiently by using online tools and software advances - for free.

To kick things off, I'll offer the basic definition of social networking. This article from the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication says it best:

"We define social network sites as web-based services that allow individuals to (1) construct a public or semi-public profile within a bounded system, (2) articulate a list of other users with whom they share a connection, and (3) view and traverse their list of connections and those made by others within the system."
I believe the world of social networking is creating more intelligent, open-minded and interesting individuals, united by pop culture. The above article is an excellent one, that delves into the psychological and societal aspects of community sites.

Wikipedia's article on social networking sums up this community evolution:
"Several websites are beginning to tap into the power of the social networking model for social good. Such models may be highly successful for connecting otherwise fragmented industries and small organizations without the resources to reach a broader audience with interested and passionate users. Users benefit by interacting with a like minded community and finding a channel for their energy and giving."
So, here's to a better community, educated by our peers and the technological advances the world is handing to us. Stay tuned for more.

No comments: