Social+Networking

=SOCIAL NETWORKING=



Technical Description
Social network is the defining category of Web 2.0 applications. Prior to the rise of social networks, users met on email lists or forums. The communication consisted almost exclusively of text by making a post and responding to that post. There was no linkage between users. The profiles of the users were extremely limited. Social networking changed all of that.

With the advent of Myspace, then Facebook, users could create pages about themselves. From educational background, to favorite music and movies, it was a simple way to create an online presence. Facebook deviated from Myspace by making all the profiles private, unless a user was a friend. Friending each other was another way social networking sites made themselves unique. By having a group of online friends, people could keep up with what their friends were doing. The sites also allowed pictures, then videos, to be uploaded. The pictures and videos could be tagged with the people in them, allowing friends to see all the pictures with a certain friend in it.

Privacy with these sites has become a big deal, because of the amount of information that people can and do put up. For example, the sites allow an address to be shown. Nefarious users could stalk teen or pre-teens and harm them. This is something that should be covered with students- proper behavior and information sharing online.

Educational Usage
Using social networking in the classroom is quite limited. Most schools block social network sites. However, as stated above, there should be discussion about using them outside the classroom. Students needs to be aware of the potential consequences of using social networking sites. There can be stalkers and bullies who can use the information to cause harm. Posting status updates and pictures can come back to haunt the students in future job hunts. Care should be taken to not discourage their use- a lot of students find them fun and they can be harmless if used properly. But they must be aware of the risks.