Article

Like it or not social networking is here to stay. It is now firmly rooted within the environment and is something that cannot be ignored. Everyday there are more and more users as well as different sites. It is a hard task to find a person who is able to function without checking some form of social network.

The applications of this technology are wonderful when used properly, but can be greatly damaging when they want to be. It is undeniable that social networks bring people closer together. The communication gap of time and space can be instantly erased with the internet allowing for families to be at the touch of a button. People are able to find long lost friends and relatives just as easily as they can connect with new people with similar interest.



The massive use of social networking has also made it easier for bad people to do the things they want to do. Some users have no regard for the information that is put on these sites and thus make themselves ease victims. Crimes like identity theft are made very simple when people take all of their personal information and compile it on one Facebook profile. Many people do not understand these problems. It is up to consumers to protect themselves and that will cause social networking to be both fun and safe.



Article On Social Networking:
Boyd, D. M. and Ellison, N. B. (2008), Social network sites: Definition, history, and scholarship. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 13, 210–230. doi: 10.1111/j.1083-6101.2007.00393.x