SOCIAL NETWORK
Social network has become a phenomenon for the past few years, not only in this country
but worldwide. Almost all and every one of us has their own social network account in any of
those favourite websites. But, what does social network really means? What makes social
networking so special? According to J.A. Barnes (1954), social network is a social structure
made of nodes that are generally individuals or organizations. In simple words, social network
can be defined as the grouping of individuals together into specific groups, often like a small
community. Years before, social network usually represents relationship between groups of
people especially in schools, colleges, workplaces or organizations which share common
background or interests. However, this situation has evolved because of the rapid development in
technology which has changed the new mobile dimensions and features. In these days, social
network is viewed as one of the most powerful system in communities. Besides, people in the
new generation exploit the development of technology and try to engage with the world globally.
Thus, via social networking online, people are now enthusiastic in ‘meeting’ people all over the
world through internet by just clicking on dummy keyboards and mouse. These online
communities are connected through social networking websites which are very common among
internet users.
The statistics raised rapidly in 2009 with the increasing number of visitors and users in
social networking websites. For instance, Malaysia is on the 19th place of the TOP 30 countries
with highest number of Facebook users (31st December 2009) with the total users of 3,975,640
and 367.5% growth in 12 month. This huge figure shown is quite impressive! It also shown that
social networking services rise rapidly and globally not only in developed countries but also in
third-world countries. Besides, there are lots of websites which provide social networking service
to its users. However, people can easily enter the world of social networking websites depending
on the requirements that the social networking websites need. For some reasons, almost every
social networking websites provided certain terms and condition (T&C) for its users. I believe
that somehow these T&C benefited not only to the administration but it also help in controlling
users’ from misusing the websites. Nevertheless, once you are accepted in the social networking
websites, you have access to socialize with other members of that particular websites. At this
stage, the user could possibly search for their friends back in schools or colleges who signed up
for that websites and they may read the profile pages of other members as well as contacting
them in person. Besides, social networking services allow users to supervise, build and represent
their social network online.
According to 2010 Social Networking Websites Review, Facebook, a social networking
website founded by Mark Zuckerberg is the most popular social networking website which has
over 400 million of users all over the world. Besides Facebook, there are a lot more websites
which are common among internet users such as MySpace, Bebo, Friendster, Hi5, Twitter and
Zorpia. People may probably choose any of those websites according to their interests and so on.
Typically, these websites offer an open membership to everyone. So, any of us who are
interested in those websites can easily sign up for membership no matter what your background,
interests, or views are. Therefore, when you are already a member of this community, you could
possibly create your own network of friends which meet your criteria. If the relationship between
you and your friends in the same network worked well, it would be beneficial not only to you but
others as well, as you can possibly share views, ideas, and perceptions with others.
The concept of social networking creates an enormous possible chain of friends
worldwide. Basically, people involved in social networking communicate within their network
and making new friends virtually. For young people, they tend to use social network as a
medium to communicate and socialize with others as they found the idea of connecting people
through internet as fun and interesting. They represent themselves online by creating, developing
and customising themselves as an online presence so that people can view their profile and could
possibly read their information. Besides, their friends can always keep up with their latest
update. Other than that, they can be a writer themselves by authoring and uploading their
‘writing’ (thoughts, views, ideas, etc) in their profile such as blog posts or notes (as in
Facebook). They might also share their own photos and videos with others.
The social networking websites allow easiest way of communication to your friends,
family, or colleagues. For example, you may access the users of the social network in order to
find your long lost friends, relatives and colleagues. This effortless way of connecting with
people may form virtual communities which interconnected people of common interests, purpose
and also background. Besides, the social networking provide you with the idea of socializing
with millions of people from different races and countries, therefore you can start mingle with
others in this virtual world. For some people, they use the opportunity to find dates through
social network websites. If you are fortunate enough, you could possibly meet your Mr. Right or
Mrs. Right by the aid of technology. This might sound crazy, but it is such an interesting way of
dating since you may perhaps meet the man or woman that satisfy all the criterion as you dream
of.
Definitely, people will choose something at low costs rather than spending money on
something unnecessary. Obviously, we can say that it is cheaper to use online social networking
because most of the social networking websites usually provide free membership. Therefore,
they can be connected within their network with zero cost at all. Besides, social networking puts
you in control especially in setting your own pace. Social network not only to be used personally,
but it can also be used in promoting your business or products. In a social networking site, you
can scout out potential customers and target markets by adding a boost to your usual
advertisements and promotional strategies by creating a business profile on some of these
networks. You can load images, your logo, etc. into your profile and it will be visible for your
virtual friends and all the users who visit your profile. Some social networks are useful as good
opportunities to find a job since nowadays the big companies have specialists on human
resources that search for profiles in these kind of sites to recruit new workers. You might be
discovered and recruited by a company if your profile does mention your capabilities and publish
some of your works. However, it is all depending on your little luck to find a job.
In virtual world, some people prefer not to expose their real information on the internet.
They tend to put fake information about themselves because they do not want to let others know
about them. In that case, social network can be considered lack of anonymity since not all the
information in the network can be trusted. Scams and harassment in the social networking is one
of the most dangers associated with social networking which may have some effects on people
such as cyber-stalking, online scams and identity or data theft. The most widespread danger
though often involves online predators or individuals who claim to be someone that they are not.
In conclusion, social network provide you such an ambience in reshaping your life and
creating a better way of communication with diversity of people around the globe. However,
users should be aware of some particulars in their cyber-surroundings in order to safely enjoy a
secure social networking online. This worldwide phenomenon should be administered by the
authority so that people would never misuse the technology as well as developing new system of
gathering people.