Social Networking Sites: Beneficial to Society

1439 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: impact of social media in our society

Social networking sites are great for society, promoting increased communication and connection between hundreds of millions of people throughout the world. While some people do argue that the dangers of online networking far outweigh the benefits, it is clear that this is not the case; rather it is the other way around.

Online social networking can be broadly defined as any website or other type of online communication that allows people to interact with each other. Blogging, or keeping an online journal, first became popular in the late 1990’s. As blogging began to appeal to more and more people, pure social networking sites appeared. SixDegrees.com (1997-2001) was the first website that allowed users to create personal profiles and connect with friends. In 2002, Friendster was formed, popularizing social networking before Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter came along in 2003, 2004, and 2006 respectively.

“Currently, social networking/blogging sites account for over 17% of all time spent on the internet” (“Are Social Networking Sites”). The addition of multimedia capabilities has been a major attraction to users. Through social networking sites, the average internet user can upload music, pictures, and videos to online web pages easily. As these sites grow in popularity, the user base is expanding to include more people over the age of 50, in addition to the millions of teens that already use them.

There are numerous benefits to social networking with sites such as Facebook and Myspace. For one, the increased communication strengthens relationships. Internet users usually tend to have larger social networks than non-users, and by maintaining those relationships online they are able to stay in touch with many more f...

... middle of paper ...

.../?pageID=cagoterminal&L=4&LO=Home&L1...

“Common Sense Media Poll: Parents Out of Teens’ Social Networking Loop.” Entertainment Close-up. 12 August 2009.

Courtney, Vicki. “Logged On and Tuned Out.” Nashville: B&H Publishing Group, 2007.

Derbyshire, David. “Social Websites Harm Children’s Brains: Chilling Warning to Parents from Top Neuroscientist.” Daily Mail. 24 February 2009.

“Educational Benefits of Social Networking Sites Uncovered.” Science Daily. 21 June 2008.

Joiner, Whitney. “Ego Trip.” Teen Vogue. April 2010.

Mooney, Carla. “Online Social Networking.” Farmington Hills: Lucent Books, 2009.

Rogers, Vanessa. “Cyberbullying.” Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2010.

“Short Circuit.” Teen Vogue. April 2010.

Sommers, Michael. “The Dangers of Online Predators.” New York: The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc., 2008.

Show More
Related

  • What Are The Ethical Issues Of Social Networking?

    1485 Words  | 3 Pages

    Social networking is a concept that has been around for a long time than the Internet. People have always been able to work together in a team. Social networking has come to users using the internet to communicate in various different ways. This focuses on creating a ground for social networking and collaboration. Social networking is about everyone in the society where it has become self-sustaining and created further growth leading to human social interaction. A social networking site has allowed users to post their profiles and create personal details for exchanging information with other users (Weaver and Morrison, 2008) [1]. In early stages, social networks have become the most frequently used tools. “Facebook is currently the largest online social network. Its business model is based on the analysis of user data to display customized advertisements. However, the data collection induces possible privacy concerns which oppose perceived benefits. Information privacy concerns are important aspects for the intention not to use Facebook but it is outweighed by perceived usefulness”. (Becker and Pousttchi 2012, pg.187) [2].

    Read More

  • Soical Netowrking: The New Way to Comunicate

    1512 Words  | 4 Pages

    Social networking is relatively new in the technology world. It was introduced in 1997 and several popular sites are: MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter. These sites have attracted millions of users, many of whom have incorporated these sites into their daily practices (Boyd). Of these millions of users, the heaviest are young people. One study suggests that 81 percent of teenagers from the ages of 12-17 use social networking sites (Sterling). These sites allow users to express themselves through a personal profile. Once a profile is created, the user can then make cyber friends. These friends are other users who can now access the original user’s profile information, which in turn, could have negative results. However, many people find these sites to be extremely useful. From showcasing one’s interests to connecting with friends and family, social networking sites are a great way to communicate. Even people who are normally shy in person are able to comfortabl...

    Read More

  • The Pros and Cons of Viral Marketing

    3058 Words  | 7 Pages

    Sharing online content is an integral part of modern life. In recent years, the emergence of social media has become the most common internet-based activity. An online social networking site is defined as a group of internet-based application that allows creation and exchange of User Generated Content. (Kaplan and Haenlein 2010) It is an umbrella term characterizing different types of applications which include blogs/micro-blogs(eg Twitter), social networking sites( eg Facebook) and content communities(eg Youtube).

    Read More

  • social networking sites, more harm than good?

    1964 Words  | 4 Pages

    Since the late 1990s, the proliferation of social networking sites has grown to permeate the lives of not only Americans but also people worldwide. Beginning in 1997, the use of social networking sites has grown to the point where “Facebook reported one billion monthly users worldwide on October 4, 2012” (Procon.org). Established less than ten years ago in 2004, Facebook is currently the world's most popular social networking on the planet, counting one out of seven people worldwide interacting with its site. Academic literature has exhaustively researched the use of social networking in recent years but one question has yet to be resolved: Do social networking sites cause more harm than good? This discourse takes the position that, despite the many harmful effects observed by the use (or misuse) of social networking sites, on balance they been of overall benefit to both individuals and societies across the globe. While this brief discussion cannot hope to unequivocally determine the question of good versus harm, it will present an argument to support the conclusion that social networking sites have both useful commercial, with personal applications, and should be considered a boon rather than a bane to our 21st century world.

    Read More

  • Positive Impact Of Social Media Essay

    1326 Words  | 3 Pages

    The World Wide Web which was created in the early 90s specifically for US military forces has lately being converted into a convenient tool for communication, learning tool and entertainment. One of the most recognized platforms used on the internet are the social networking sites. There has been a great increase in the use of social networking sites, what started back as a phenomenon for only computer literates is now an integral part and a social norm for adults and teenagers all over the world.

    Read More

  • The Pros And Cons Of Social Network

    1285 Words  | 3 Pages

    According to the definition of( Boyd & Elison:2007) social networks are web-based sites services that allows individuals to construct a semi- public profile within a bounded system and articulates a list of other users with whom they share a connection view and traverse their list of connections and those made by others within the system.Social network websites like MySpace and Facebook have exploded in popularity in recent years, with users numbering in the hundreds of millions (Kornblum, 2006: Newland: 2007). According to comScore (2008), visitors to social network websites have grown 34% in the past year to 530 million visits, which represent two out of every three internet users. Millions of people have joined social networking sites, adding profiles that reveal personal information. The reputations of

    Read More

  • The Pros and Cons of Social Media

    1296 Words  | 3 Pages

    The use of social networking has both its advantages and disadvantages. One advantage is “an Internet social network can help you connect with other people who share your interest, and find resources to ga...

    Read More

  • The Popularity of Social Networking Sites

    670 Words  | 2 Pages

    In recent years, social networking sites have rapidly gained popularity among people at all ages. A large number of people have registered and become members of some social networking sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Wechat. Also, people spend a lot of time on these sites chatting, playing games, and making friends. Social networking sites have become a part of people’s life. However, what accounts for the popularity of these sites? As far as I’m concerned, this phenomenon, which social networking sites are very popular nowadays, is caused by three important reasons.

    Read More

  • Why Social Networks Have Done More Harm Than Good in Our Society

    1368 Words  | 3 Pages

    ...e increased the rate of divorce among young adults’ marriages, and promotes indecent behaviors. Again, twenty eight percent of car accidents are caused by users of social networking sites who text and drive. So, without reservation, social networking sites are gradually taking control of many aspects of our lives in more negative way and when not addressed soon, shall become a major concern to our society.

    Read More

  • Social Networking Controversy

    1917 Words  | 4 Pages

    Did you remember to tell your cousin happy birthday on Facebook? Do you know how many people liked your latest picture on instagram? Or how many retweets did you get on your totally relatable and borderline inspirational tweet? As of January 2014, 74% of online adults use social networking sites (Rainie). Also more than 9 out of 10 American teenagers use social media(Blaszczak). Because of social networking we are becoming more connected than ever before. Important information can spread faster than wildfire, and we now have the ability to have friends and relationships all over the world. With the ability to communicate and interact with anyone at our fingertips what could go wrong? Well...lots of things.

    Read More

  • Social Networking: The Negative Effects Of Social Media

    985 Words  | 2 Pages

    Some may argue that social networking sites allow people to make new friends and improve their relationships. That may

    Read More

  • Essay On Disadvantages Of Social Networking

    1153 Words  | 3 Pages

    Social networking sites are like cakes. As all know, cakes are sweet or delicious. When people eat cakes, they will feel comfortable and full. However, when people eat more cakes, the disadvantages of cakes will appear, such as gaining weight. Social Networking sites are also like a double-edged sword for relationships. Sometimes social networking sites will help relationships, and sometimes it will harm relationships. When users use social networking sites, users can easily keep friendships with old friends and make new friends, users can find more topics for people to communicate, and social networking sites can enhance relationships between friends and avoid some embarrassing topics. However, social networking sites also harm friendships

    Read More

  • Social Networking Sites

    1075 Words  | 3 Pages

    Social networking sites (SNSs) are defined as “tools young people use to get in touch with peers sharing the same interests while facilitating opinion exchange and information sharing” [1]. Attributed to the convenience these SNSs brought to us, they play significant roles in our daily lives. They become the major channels for people to have contact with each other [2]. Gone were the days when people made connections with others mostly through phone calls or letters. Generally, users communicate, organize people and spread messages in these platforms [3]. With the appearance of Myspace in 2003, SNSs are acquiring popularity having Facebook being the most common used site nowadays [4]. Noticing the growing trend of these sites, it is much debated if browsing SNSs are a waste of time. Yet, it is believed for the dominant group of SNS users – the adolescents, SNSs are beneficial since they can help to strengthen identity, increase social capital and encourage civic participation.

    Read More

  • Social Networking Essay

    836 Words  | 2 Pages

    Social Networking is a modern and the easiest way to Communicate Online. It has revolutionized the way we communicate over large distances. We can get into contact immediately with Family, Friends, and other people from around the globe using any of the modern Communication mediums such as a Mobile Device or a Computer. There are many possible ways of Social Networking. You can use Social Networking Websites, Blogging, IMs (Instant Messengers), Chatrooms, and Dating Sites to get connected to people.

    Read More

  • Social Entertainment And Social Media

    1133 Words  | 3 Pages

    From SnapChat to Instagram, our ever changing world has been flooded with social media. Almost 30 years ago the technology took the world by storm with the invention of the home computer system. The first known case of social media started with the Bulletin Board System, which allowed users to communicate where they could download files and send messages to other users. On August 6, 1991 that’s when everything changed with the creation of the World Wide Web otherwise known as the modern internet and by the mid-1990s, it was not going to slow down no matter how many people doubted it. Yahoo had just launched their site, and in 1995 they were the first to create the modern form of social media and allowed people to connect to others for personal

    Read More

More about Social Networking Sites: Beneficial to Society

Open Document