How Does Network Affect the World - Essay Example

Social Networking Outline Definition of Social Networking Definition of social networking Thesis ment History of social networking Ancient times Initial online networking Online transformation Significant progress in online social networking Impacts on the world Effects in the business world Easy communication Advertising and feedback strategies Support services Social impacts Practice of social skills Development of independence and personality Negative impacts Bullying as a social crimes Privacy violation Fraud Reduced employee productivity Conclusion Name Instructor Course Institution May 13, 2012 Social networking Social networking refers to grouping of people into particular groups of specific inspiration such as people from a given neighborhood or even schools and campuses (Social Networking, para. 1). The aim of this paper is to look at the origins of social networking and its background. In addition, it will also focus on the impact that social networking has made on the world in both negative and positive ways in different fields of life. Social networking traces its origins from time immemorial where people would meet physically and communicate before letters came into the scene. Over time, and especially recently, the same has been transformed from these old means into more recent ones in ways like use of social networking sites. Its modern conception was the result of the development of the bulletin board system. These were originally meeting places where people could upload information on the events they were planning to conduct as well as exchange knowledge and other information. Moreover, they could also download information in the form of games and other software. These sites were created by people who made it their hobby to put together forums for people to share on topics and events of mutual interest. The online transformation continued over time to the email where information could be shared with friends and those within a given social network through text. However, this did not end here as over time, the opening of the internet to the general population of the world has transformed how people share ideas and communicate with each other. Creative minds came up with online social networking sites such as “Six Degrees”, “Classmates” and even “AOL” (standing for America Online). These set the playfield for later players who came in later such as Facebook, MySpace, Friendster, LinkedIn and Twitter. The above later sites that spawned from the year 2000 and on made significant progress in bringing people together and changing how they interacted as per their interests. Facebook made the most important mark in the whole business of social networking. In just a short period of its launch, it has garnered millions of users due to its trendy name, “Facebook” and the fact that it encouraged people to be open and be themselves on the web (Nickson par 5-20). Positive Effects Impacts in Business world Most of the benefits emanating from the use of social networking are based on the world business. Social networking has provided a cheap and cost effective way to communicate and share information on business and personal issues online. This is because the cost is either minimal or even free most of the time. It also provides a cheap platform to promote marketing with little effort involved. Moreover, with these marketing strategies, there also exist options to get almost immediate feedback on the products and services that one has to offer. This can be in regard to the dislikes and the likes as well as the features of the products and services that are appealing or displeasing to the clients. Under this, social networking has provided a platform for investors, manufacturers and service provider to run tests for their products and know when and where to change trends (The Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Networking para, 1) Social media, also, has created an opportunity for the world to personalize business and build the confidence of consumers in the world over. This is through the use of strategies that involve sharing with clients in both personal and business levels thus creating confidence in the client population. This creates long term relationships with clients due to the creation of credible profiles between service and product providers and their client base. With this, it also creates the possibility of information on one’s credibility being passed on to others through other means. In addition, social media is allowing more organizations reach to more consumers and clients. This goes beyond all traditional efforts that have existed prior to this. Among the audiences could also be fellow producers, suppliers and other vendors. Furthermore, with this in line, relations between and among all parties involved can be involved despite being in different fields through communication improvement. However, this also puts employees at a level to interact more easily with each other and thus increase their productivity due to motivation and better communication (Simon p.155). In addition, social media helps to keep organizations afloat by keeping in touch with their client base. For example, by updating and alerting their clients on the availability of new products, they are able to remain relevant. This is because some organizations through this method can offer immediate support to their client through social networks on any defects detected on their products and services (Simon p.160) Social Impacts In a personal sense, social media has a positive impact as well. This is particularly so for the younger generations and teens. It plays a part in the practicing of social skills where one learns to communicate with others efficiently. Additionally, of significance is that one may not be able to interact with other people in person but by using social networks, the task becomes easier. It also helps to extend friendships and also learn new social skills from others. Others, who do not have eloquence, like those with speech disabilities, in speech; get a platform to express themselves (Holmquist par. 8). In addition, social networking has enhanced the use of technology because for one to interact with other users online, use of technology is inevitable. Because of this it has helped many people become conversant with the use of computer technology and basic functionalities such as keyboarding and simple networks (Holmquist par. 13). Besides that, social networking has enhanced the expression of personality and development of independence (Collin, Phillippa et al p. 16). Social networks do not present the various biases that physical interactions do. This allows others to see the real personality and the qualities that one possesses. Interactions with peers and people of similar interests allow individuals develop independence from parents and other relatives. This is because individuals can create their own support groups to help themselves and solve their problems (Holmquist par. 16-18). Negative Effects Social networking has its downside in the world and in almost every field of life. Socially, it has been known for coming up with new ways of committing crimes like bullying. This is especially so for those with disabilities or have various forms of challenges; be it mental or physical. When one expresses their personality without inhibitions, chances are that even their disability will be revealed and those who are against their challenge are tempted to bully them Holmquist par.18). Social networking also leads to the misuse of personal information. Personal information is being collected, accumulated and used for fraudulent purposes that affect innocent and unknowing people. Also, leaked personal information of a sensitive nature, can be used for blackmail and even cause embarrassment to those concerned as social networks have caused significant breaches of privacy (Holmquist par. 19). Also anonymity in social networks has been compromised as peoples’ names, ages, location and other sensitive details are being posted on social networking sites. Information on social networks can also not be easily contained thus the rapid spread of information that could be damaging, and even that which is a threat to security (Collin, Phillipa et al p.11). Moreover, it has led to wastage of time as it is regarded as fun to take part in its activities. This has led to reduced productivity of and low yields in employees in organizations. The reason behind it is that employees spend more time online interacting with friends and dealing with issues of a personal nature, rather than official work that one is scheduled to do (Boyd, p.219). Conclusion Social networking is a powerful tool in the today world as it has revolutionized the way people conduct their lives both in business and personal lives. However, it is not all smooth sailing as it has its negative impacts as well. Works Cited Social Networking. What Is Social Networking? May 1, 2012. Web. 12 May. 2012. The article defines social networking and its entities. It also discusses areas in which social networking is involved and it’s benefits. Holmquist, Julie. n.d. Social Networking Sites . PDF file. 12 May. 2012. < http://www.pacer.org/tatra/pdf/socialNetworking.pdf> The document discusses the statistics of social networking sites and the concerns of using the sites. Also, benefits and considerations are included. Collin, Phillippa et al. n.d. The Benefits of social Networking Services. PDF File. 12 May. 2012. http://www.interactivemediarelease.com/download.php?f=0neo1k_FINAL_The_Benefits_of_Social_Networking_Services_Lit_Review.pdf This document contains information on the usage of social networking its role in media, creativity and other areas. Information on the challenges posed by social networking and the outlook on how young people are using it is also included. Boyd, Danah. Network Sites: Definition, History, and Scholarship. 13 (2008):210-230. International Communication Association. 12 May. 2012. This journal article speaks of social networking sites, their inception and their usage. In addition, it talks of their history giving examples of such sites. Also it has information on ways in which social networking has impacted the world in both positive and negative ways. Nickson, Christopher 2009, The History of Social Networking. Web. 12 May. 2012. This article focuses on the origin of social networking sites and their growth over time. It also focuses on the growing use of internet in social networking and a prediction of what the future holds for them. Simon, Phil. The Next Wave of technologies: Opportunities from Chaos, New Jersey, And U.S.A: John Wiley and Sons, 2010. Print. The book discusses various technologies used in social networking and in particular information technology in different countries. It also discusses features of social networking that can be used in business and other client based organizations. Read More