You’ve been on the internet or on your mobile phone and you’ve been using it for years! You don’t even think twice about opening the app or getting “logged in” and off you go posting messages or pictures, or whatever your particular fancy is! What is it that you have been doing?
Social networking, we have all likely heard of it before, but not everyone knows what it means? If you were asked to define what social networking was, would you be able to give an accurate definition. Unfortunately, most individuals cannot, even though as I mentioned it is likely that you participate in some form of social networking, especially online.
Social networking is defined as the grouping of individuals together into specific groups, often like a small community or a neighborhood. Although social networking is possible in person, especially in schools or in the workplace, it is most popular online. This is because unlike most high schools, colleges, or workplaces, the internet is filled with millions, if not more, of individuals who are looking to meet other internet users and develop friendships.
When it comes to social networking online, websites are used. These websites are known as social networking websites. Social networking websites are, in a way, like an online community of internet users. Depending on the social networking website in question, many of these online community members share a common bond, whether that bond is their hobbies, religion, or politics or maybe some other “attracting” influence. Once you are granted access to a social networking website you can begin to socialize. This socialization may include reading the profiles or profile pages of other members or even contacting them. Then YOU become part of the GROUP!
The friends that you can make are just one of the many benefits to social networking online. Another one of those benefits includes diversity. Unlike in most schools or workplaces, the internet gives individuals, from all around the world, access to social networking sties. This means that although you are in the United States, you could develop an online friendship with someone in Japan. Not only will you make a new friend, you but may also learn a thing or two about a new culture.
As previously mentioned, social networking often involves grouping specific individuals or organizations together. While there are a number of social networking websites that focus on particular interests, there are others that do not. These websites are often deemed traditional social networking websites. These types of websites typically have an open membership. This means that anyone can become a member, no matter what their hobbies, beliefs, or views are. However, once you are inside this online community, you can begin to create your own network of friends; thus eliminating others that do not meet your criteria. This is where you must be VERY CAUTIOUS! You only know what the other person POSTS about themselves. You may never REALLY know who the person on the other end of your conversation is.
If networking on the internet sounds like something you would be interested in, you are encouraged to learn more about it, such as the dangers of social networking. These dangers often involve online predators or individuals who claim to be someone that they are not. Although danger does exist with networking online, it also exists with networking out in the real world. As when you are meeting friends at a bar, school, or work, you are advised to proceed with caution online. By being aware of your surroundings and who you are talking to, you should be able safely enjoying social networking online.
But WHY are Social Networking Sites So Popular?
Do you use the internet on a regular basis? If you do, there is a good chance that you have heard of websites like MySpace, FriendFinder, Classmates, or Facebook and others. What do all of these websites have in common? They are known as social networking websites. Social networking websites, over the past few years, have rapidly increased in popularity, so much that many are wondering why.
If you have used a social networking website before, it is likely that you are already fully aware of their popularity. There is just something about these websites that draw in millions of internet users. With a wide variety of different social networking websites available, there are a wide variety of different reasons for their popularity. One those reasons being the ease of use.
Social networking websites are, for the most part, easy to use. Most sites are easy to navigate. In fact, many require little knowledge of the internet. In addition to being easy to navigate, social networking websites also make it easier to meet new people online. There are many internet users who would love to make new friends online; however, that can sometimes be difficult do. Without social networking websites, you would have to connect with internet users, often in chat rooms, and learn about their interests before deciding if you would like to consider them your “buddy.” Social networking sites allow you to learn information about another internet user before ever having to make contact with them.
Another one of the many reasons why social networking sites are popular is because many are free to use. In fact, the majority of social networking sites are free to use. Despite being free to use, many websites require that you register with them. This registration will not only allow you to create your own profile or online webpage, but it will also allow you to contact other networking members.
Although most social networking websites are free to use, there are some that are not. Many of these websites give you a free trial period or a free membership. That membership can be used to help you determine whether or not the website is worth paying for. What is nice about paid online social networking websites is that many can be considered exclusive. Since most internet users would not want to pay for something that they can get for free, most paid social networking sites are limited on the number of members they have. This may work out to your advantage because it tends to eliminate those who create fake accounts or aim to cause controversy online.
Social networking websites are also popular because they come in a wide variety of different formats. This means that just about anyone can join. However, there are other social networking sites out there that have a particular focus. These focuses may be on a particular religion, political following, or hobby. Most specialty social networking sites restrict the individuals that can participate in their network; thus, making your experience more enjoyable.
Finally, social networking websites focus on meeting new people, especially online, but over recent months, many have started including additional features only available to their online members. Many social networking members can receive their own free webpage, get free access to popular music videos, a free blog, and much more. Although social networking websites are popular enough to bring in members on their own, these additional features are, in a way, providing internet users with an incentive to join.
All you need to do if you are interested in a social site that is perhaps NOT one of the more popularly known is do a standard “Google” search for what you are looking for. You will probably be very surprised at the number of other sites that you will find.
Some people have even been able to make a business out of using social media sites. Again you can do a search on how this can be done.
PS
Regardless of HOW you decide to make your money, if you are operating your own business you will at some point need equipment to make it function.
I have included two great sources here: My Choice Software. If you need computers, furniture, hardware, networking equipment, printers or scanners and yes, SOFTWARE, this is the place to check out.
House of Inks. Here you can get ink cartridges for multiple brands of printers as well as the printers also! Go to their site for great savings.
QUOTE TO CONSIDER
THOUGHTFUL GEM
"A lazy person can starve
thinking about his next meal."
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