Social Networking

Social networks are a huge part of the internet these days and there are many different things they can be used for. Asides from the obvious fact that social networks can be used to communicate with people and keep you updated, it can be used for business as well. Since there are millions of users on social networking sites, businesses use it as a form of advertising. Movies, music, products, you name it, it is being advertised on social networking sites. There is good reason for that, with so many unique users, social networks have become a giant in the advertising field.

Asides from business, social networks can be used and have impacts on many other things. People can organize groups that can plan rallies and protests because they can communicate to a mass amount of people. President Obama himself turned to social networks when he was campaigning. He recognized the power of the internet and communication through social networks and was able to use it effectively to gather his supporters.[1]

Of course to every advantage there must be a disadvantage and social networks have many dark sides. Because there are no certain ways of knowing who is behind a picture, predators lurk around social networks. The most terrifying thing about the internet is that your identity is never safe. With social networks identity theft is inevitable. Information given on social networking sites can easily be extracted and combined with other sources to steal someone's identity.[2] People must be very careful of the personal information they submit on the internet.

Technologies are advancing fast and almost every portable device has social networks embedded on them. I personally believe that social networks will continue to grow. It seems to me that the more sophisticated technologies become, the more socially connected people are able to be. I believe that as technology continues to evolve, having a digital identity will be a requirement one day. So in the future, everyone will be a part of one large social network.

1. Carr, David. "How Obama Tapped Into Social Networks' Power." The New York Times. 9 Nov. 2008. Web.
2. "Leaving 'Friendprints': How Online Social Networks Are Redefining Privacy and Personal Security." Knowledge@Wharton. 10 Jun. 2009. Web.