Social Networking

Social Networking have been around but it seems as if social networking is still a new concept. As the internet advances, social networking websites will impact us more effectively. One of clear advantages I see with using social networking platforms is communication. People can communicate with each other anywhere around the world regardless of location. This makes communication a convenience.

In my opinion, companies can benefit the most out of using social media platforms. Companies can advertise effectively without incurring advertising expenses. Social media platforms even encourage companies to advertise on their websites, such as Facebook. Companies can use these platforms as a feedback system where they encourage users to share their experience with a product or with their company. They can also engage customers by using polls or surveys to gain an understanding of what the general public wants. By doing this, the company is able to cater products to customer opinions and needs. Companies can also release their prototypes and ask for public opinion. Social networking helps companies grow through communities and keeps them updates on current events or trends.

Once user generated content is put online, there is no guarantee that the content is exclusively yours. If content is shared publicly, anyone will be able to see, read, and copy your contents. Privacy ceases to exist if you share personal information publicly. There are just too many loopholes on social networking platforms that it’s just not safe to post content that is considered private to you. Many social networking claims part of your posted contents if read carefully under their Terms of Service. In exchange for their service, they are able to use your public contents.

Many users are beginning to use these platforms on portable devices. Everywhere you go, there are always people on their devices. This is one of the negative impacts on society because socializing has dramatically changed. People socialize through a virtual world and allows us to hide through a screen. You feel you are socialization without having to socialize through face to face conversations. Since anyone has access to the internet, young teenagers are also prone to online sexual predators. Cyber-bullying is also a serious topic when it comes to social networking platforms. It can cause people to commit suicide or make them feel depressed.

Social networking platforms are just in their beginning stage of development. In the near future, they will offer services unimaginable. I believe in the future, transactions will be fully fluid and functional through social networking platforms. For example, ordering products from businesses through social networking would become a norm.

Greenfield, Rebecca. "Facebook Privacy Is So Confusing Even the Zuckerberg Family Photo Isn't Private" The Wire. The Wire, 26 Dec. 2012. Web. 8 Mar. 2015. 

"Leaving ‘Friendprints’: How Online Social Networks Are Redefining Privacy and Personal Security." Knowledge@Wharton. The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, 10 June, 2009. Web. 08 March, 2015