Social Network Is Good for Society - Coursework Example

Sосiаl network is gооd for sосiеty Name Subject Professor Date Outline Title: Sосiаl network is gооd for sосiеty I. Introduction A. What is social network? B. Thesis statement II. Uses of social network A. Marketing tool B. Communication tool C. Organization awareness D. Social links and relationships III. Advantages of social network A. Enhance socialization B. Makes job seeking easier C. Effective information sharing D. Professional networking IV. Disadvantages of social network A. Addiction B. Invasion of privacy C. Lack of data control D. Impersonation V. Analysis of why social network is good for society A. Awareness creation B. Aid in the event of disasters C. True and lasting relationships D. Standard tools for professional practices E. Family and friendship ties F. Inexpensive way of interaction G. Link between the public and authorities VI. Conclusion A. Summary of main ideas VII. References A. List of academic sources used Introduction We are living in a digital age where technology is fundamental in most processes especially communication. People are now more connected via various social media networks irrespective of differences in location and distance. Social networks can be defined as groups of individuals that are linked by one or more kinds of social links or connections for example common interests, kinship or even friendship. Some of the most common social networks include Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Badoo, Friendster and LinkedIn among others. When used appropriately, social networks could be beneficial to individuals, groups and the general society. However, when used inappropriately, it could come along with some drawbacks on the users. This piece of work will give a critical discussion of the concept of use of social network and various aspects associated with it. Much emphasis will be on how good social network is for the society. To achieve this, the positive and negative attributes of the use of social networks will be evaluated and an informed conclusion reached. Uses of social network There are various uses of social networks, each meant to achieve some purpose. Social networking is a good marketing tool especially for businesses. It offers a great opportunity for business websites as they allow for expansion. The internet allows for a wider viewership since the audience is unlimited. Nonetheless, to achieve success one has to be actively involved. The utilization of social networking marketing necessitates that a business website owner or a representative must be involved with specific social networking communities. Continuous communication and feedback with people over the internet is essential to ensure that the needs of the consumers are identified and met appropriately. Social networks are also essential tools of communication and relaying information far and wide. Through various social media channels, one is in a position to communicate with friends, family and even the general public on various life issues. For instance, through an update on Facebook, one can communicate to those they are connected to in an easy way (Scott, 2012, p.56). Various social network groups are also formed whereby people share different social, business and general life issues. Social networks have also been used by organizations as a way through which the general public can know about them for instance with regard to new job openings or career opportunities. Through social networks, people are in a position to make new friends who although start with online friendships, it sometimes matures to real and physical relationships whereby some even marry and build happy families (Amichai-Hamburger and Vinitzky, 2010, p.1292). However, care ought to be taken so as not to fall into the trap of malicious individuals whose interests are hidden. Advantages of social network The use of social networks is associated with various benefits. Social networks enhance socialization. They allow individuals to learn and internalize values and norms that are essential in relating with other people who could be friends from the past, the current or new friends. Social networks offer a platform to participate in a virtual universe whereby they can interact with others for various purposes for instance business, love or friendship. The other advantage of social network is easing the manner in which individuals find job. The internet has really changed the world and now, many organizations have social environments through which they communicate job opportunities, receive applications and even conduct interviews. Some social networks such as LinkedIn can even recommend job opportunities (Kaplan and Haenlein, 2010, p.64). Through social networks, vast information on different aspects and events is passed. Current news and happenings are also communicated faster than it is the case with other traditional and mainstream media. This is a great aspect in terms of keeping people at par with what is happening within and around them. Social networks also allow for professional networking. For academics and professionals, social networks allow them to come together as like-minded individuals. Academics are able to get other scholars that they can share ideas and research elements. This helps them to grow together in knowledge. On the other hand, professionals are in a position to get in touch with mutual friends, potentials employers, clients or even business partners. Social networking has been a crucial tool in expanding the horizons of the kind of contacts that individuals can make within their professional lives (Burt, Kilduff and Tasselli, 2013, p.536) Disadvantages of social network Kaplan and Haenlein (2010, p.66) assert that although the use of social networks has many benefits as discussed above, it also has some drawbacks. For instance, there is the issue of people becoming addicted with the use of social media. This makes it hard for them to stay away from social media and as it is said; too much of something is poisonous. Also, in the event that the privacy of the networks is not properly configured, people’s private lives are exposed. There is also a problem of lack of data control especially because different people get to access it. Cases of impersonation are also common when it comes to dealing with social networks. In some instances, people may build online links and relationships that seem so real but they are not and they come to realize that they have been manipulated when it is too late. Criminals are more likely to track individuals and hence plan on how well to con them. Analysis of why social network is good for society A look at the advantages and disadvantages of social networks can give a better indication of the reason (s) as to why social network is good for society. According to (Scott, 2012, p.112), social media does more good than harm to the society. Social medial should not be taken as a mere online distraction platform since it has its benefits as stated above. Even though some individuals may become addicted to their social media networks, social networking is one of the best ways of always staying informed on various things around the world. Today, major news outlets, business organizations and even individuals of interest make use of social media networks to pass information and messages to the masses. Children and teenagers also benefit from social networks as they are in a position to follow causes and organizations they believe in and thus, they feel like they are not left out when it comes to what is happening around them. Social networks allow for increased teen awareness. Social media networks have also worked perfectly in the event of disasters. Through different social media channels, messages asking for support are delivered. For instance, hash tags are created to assist internet users to locate information and events and go ahead to show their support for the affected people. Even things that are local in nature are in a position to gain national and international attention and thus, they are treated with great importance (Kilduff and Brass, 2010, p.348). Through social networks, people are able to have true and lasting relationships. It is also easier to share out problems online without feeling intimidated especially because there is no physical connection. Sharing through various social media platforms may go a long way in dealing with problems such as loneliness, depression and thoughts of suicide. Social network is good for society. Today, social media networks have become standard tools for professional practices. Social media sites are in a position to spread information far and wide compared to traditional media, an aspect that makes them attractive for individual and well as groups of professionals. Through social networks, professionals and researches get a chance to share ideas and works across wider audiences, promote the development of new collaboration and provide a platform for online dialogue especially for the remote colleagues. This is a positive aspect that makes the society grow in a better way. Through the use of social networks, people have been in a position to foster and maintain relationships irrespective of the distance between them. They provide a platform for staying close to family and friends through sharing of what is going on in their lives. This has become crucial since travelling for studies and work has become so common. Social networks are also an easy and inexpensive way of interaction and allow for effective creation and consumption of content. It is also a way through which the public connects with the authorities (Munson, Lauterbach, Newman and Resnick, 2010, p.33). For instance, emergency responders make use of social media networks to communicate among themselves and also with the public. All these is enough justification that social network is good for society despite the fact that it also has its negative side. Conclusion The above discussion indicates that the concept of social network is relatively wide and various issues are involved. Social network is good for society. This is more so since the benefits of making use of social networks greatly outweigh the drawbacks. Social networks are used for various purposes including communication and socialization. Social networking is linked with a number of benefits. For instance, it helps reach a wider population in case of a problem or disaster. It is also inexpensive and keeps people connected. On the other hand, social networks also have some drawbacks. They could cause addiction and criminal activities could be perpetrated through social media. All in all, it is apparent that social network is good for the society. To enjoy maximum benefits of the social networks, there is need to reinforce the positive attributes of social networks while at the same time have useful strategies aimed at effectively managing the negative attributes. References Amichai-Hamburger, Y. and Vinitzky, G., 2010. Social network use and personality. Computers in human behavior, 26(6), pp.1289-1295. Burt, R.S., Kilduff, M. and Tasselli, S., 2013. Social network analysis: Foundations and frontiers on advantage. Annual review of psychology, 64, pp.527-547. Kaplan, A.M. and Haenlein, M., 2010. Users of the world, unite! The challenges and opportunities of Social Media. Business horizons, 53(1), pp.59-68. Kilduff, M. and Brass, D.J., 2010. Organizational social network research: Core ideas and key debates. Academy of management annals, 4(1), pp.317-357. Munson, S.A., Lauterbach, D., Newman, M.W. and Resnick, P., 2010, June. Happier together: integrating a wellness application into a social network site. In International Conference on Persuasive Technology (pp. 27-39). Berlin Heidelberg: Springer. Scott, J., 2012. Social network analysis. London: Sage. Read More