Advantages and disadvantages of social networking sites - Term Paper Example

? Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Networking Sites Kandice Cortes Section CSIT-110-E04 04/11/12 Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Networking Sites Social network sites are web-based services that enable an individual to create a public or a semi-public profile inside a bounded system, communicate with other users by sharing a connection with them, and view as well as traverse their and also those created by others list of connections (Boyd & Ellison, “Social Network Sites: Definition, History, and Scholarship”). Since the beginning, social networking sites (SNSs) such as Facebook, MySpace, Bebo, Cyworld, LinkedIn and others have fascinated millions of users, a number of whom have incorporated these networking sites into their every day life. These SNSs have transcended beyond global borders and have spread across in several forms, supporting an extensive range of practices as well as interests. The key technological features provided by these sites have been observed to be quite consistent, but the culture that generally emerges around the SNSs is primarily varied. These sites enable people to connect with strangers as well as known individual by the virtue of shared interests as well as activities and political views. A few sites cater to varied audiences, whereas others draw people based on shared sexual, racial, religious as well as national identities or common languages. These social networking sites vary in the level up to which they include new communication and information tools, such as blogging, mobile connectivity, and photo or video sharing (Boyd & Ellison, “Social Network Sites: Definition, History, and Scholarship”). According to a study conducted by ECAR Research Study (2008), it was found that SNSs were particularly well-liked among the under-graduates. Facebook was observed to be the social networking site of choice among the majority of respondents. The data also found that around 85.1% of the respondents were users of SNSs. Therefore, the attraction towards social networking sites is undeniable. The prime advantage that these sites provide is related to getting as well as staying in touch (Educause Center for Applied Research, “Social Networking Sites”) The social networking sites provide advantages for the business organizations as they can use flash advertisements of their products in order to capture the attention of varied users while they browse these SNSs. Thus, it provides a creative selling opportunity for the users. In terms of cost-benefit point of view, the advantages that this kind of advertisement provides to business organizations are immense. As compared to other media, this method of advertising is quite cost-effective for the businesses. It also provides a scope to target large consumer segment that are present in different parts of the world. Therefore, from the business’ point of view SNSs provides a unique opportunity to showcase their offerings to people (Oracle ThinkQuest, “Why Use Networking Sites?”). The SNSs provide people with an opportunity to create as well as maintain relationships, gather information on various subjects; provides an opportunity to contribute and also participate in various social issues and causes, and enables professional networking which is invaluable for a jobseeker as well as employer. SNSs also enable newscasters to keep the users aware of the recent events. The sharing of knowledge and experience can be invaluable though SNSs as users belonging to different fields such as education, medicine, finance, technology and others can advice people regarding their queries on public forums (Boise Public Library, “Tweeting Isn’t Just for the Birds”). The social networking sites enable political organizations to be in contact directly with the public in more personal way. This makes these political organizations more reachable, personable, as well as comprehending with regard to the individuals that generally follow their activities or participate in them. As the SNSs are spread across the global arena, thus it can provide an extremely useful and unbiased medium to garner public opinion on various issues such as ethical, social, legal issues and others (College of Notre Dame of Maryland, “Political Organizations”). Business organizations can enhance their brand visibility through SNSs. This can boost their online sales, help in delivering better customer service, and generate more leads and prospects for sales and also helps increasing advocacy and loyalty from the customers with whom businesses are able to connect (Business Link, “Online business networking and social networking”) The unabated power and advantage of the social networking sites can be identified from the fact that by the year 2010, around 96% of Gen Y had joined SNSs. Facebook had added 100 million users in a period of less than 9 months. If Facebook is considered as country, than it would be 4th largest country of the world. Percentage of companies using SNSs such as LinkedIn as a main tool for finding employees was 80%. Therefore, these statistics support the fact that SNSs can provide immense advantage for a large number of people throughout the world (Boise Public Library, “Tweeting Isn’t Just for the Birds”). In spite of several advantages that can be derived from the use of SNSs, there are a few disadvantages of SNSs that can create unwanted hindrance to people, business organizations and society at large. For an individual, the problem can arise from various aspects such as posting ‘private information’ can lead to stealing of identity. Sexual offenders as well as stalkers can create harm from such private information. False as well as misleading advertisements can tarnish the image of an organization in the eyes of the public. The SNSs can be an easily accessible media for spreading computer virus and spyware which can harm a user’s computer (Oracle ThinkQuest, “Why Use Networking Sites?”). The other disadvantages may relate to lack of anonymity and privacy, censorship of written comments, companies misusing personal data for their own benefit. Moreover, SNSs have made the life of people more confined within the framework of their own personal computer which has resulted in reduction of open dialogue among people as well as at times created an over-lapping of personal and professional life (Purdue University, “Web 2.0: Concepts and Applications”). One of significant risk aspect that needs to be considered for SNSs is related to privacy, intimacy and also self-expression factor of teenagers who are one of major users. The teenagers at times become the target of stalkers and other misguiding persons who can harm their self-esteem and life to a large extent (Livingstone, “Taking risky opportunities in youthful content creation: Teenagers’ use of social networking sites for intimacy, privacy and self-expression”) The majority of the disadvantages of SNSs can be handled by following certain regulations and norms while using such networks. The SNSs can create a number of benefits to the users as well as create certain disadvantages. In light of the prevailing scenario in the global perspective, the SNSs can’t be denied as a medium of interaction, and for gaining corporate and social benefit. Therefore, in order to reap the positive aspects which are a plenty, the users have to be more careful and aware about derogatory aspects of SNSs. This will enable global audience to make use of SNSs primarily as a tool for their own as well as social benefit. References Boyd, Danah M. & Ellison, Nicole B. “Social Network Sites: Definition, History, and Scholarship”. April 11, 2011. Indiana University, 2007. Boise Public Library. “Tweeting Isn’t Just for the Birds”. April 11, 2011. Social Networking, 2009. Business Link. “Online Business Networking and Social Networking”. April 11, 2011. Home, No Date. College of Notre Dame of Maryland. “Political Organizations”. April 11, 2011. Usage of Social Sites, 2010. Educause Center for Applied Research. “Social Networking Sites”. April 11, 2011. Students and Information Technology, 2008. Livingstone, Sonia. “Taking risky opportunities in youthful content creation: Teenagers’ use of social networking sites for intimacy, privacy and self-expression”. April 11, 2011. LSE Research Online, 2008. Oracle ThinkQuest, “Why Use Networking Sites?”. April 11, 2011. Library, 2006. Purdue University. “Web 2.0: Concepts and Applications”. April 11, 2011. Connecting People, No Date. Read More