Social Networking

The presentation, “Growing Up Online”, raised many issues pertaining the topic of social networking and the Internet. The two are being highly used in today’s society by a variety of people from all sorts of ages. Computers allow users to do a vast number of things; however one of the biggest utilizations of a computer is the use of the Internet. The Internet permits social networking and allows people to "search the web" based on their wanted desire of educational purposes, work purposes, leisure activities, and etc. One of the most growing Internet programs is the use of social networking. The Internet has grown to link everybody around the world, allowing individuals to share information with each other by different social networking tools (emails, texts, web pages). Some social networking sites, such as Facebook, Myspace, and etc., lets people around the world come together and socialize. One can make their own web page where they can do and say what they want at their own expense. In the PBS presentation, many issues were brought up based on these social networking links and talked about the different advantages and disadvantages of its use.

In my opinion, I believe that just like everything else in this world, the Internet (social networking) has its advantages and disadvantages; it just all depends on how one uses it. Some people could see it as an advantage because it allows people to talk with their friends, meet new people, spread information, and even connect with people or family members from around the world. As it does sound like one is opening themselves up to the outside world by this use, it all comes down to ones actions; how one uses the Internet and its social networking devices, and ones awareness to the actual use of it and its consequences. Just like it was said in the PBS presentation, social networking and giving your information out on the Internet can have its disadvantages. One has to be aware what they are letting people see, what they are saying and so on, because we do live in a society where people can track your information down, which can lead to dangerous pretenses (stalkers, predators, and etc.) Nonetheless, these social networking sites do have safety precautions themselves, so if one were to decide to take part of the Internet and social networking pages (Facebook, Myspace, etc.) certain safety measures can be made by the user to protect their information. However, not all users have such a mature awareness to the outside world or understand the need in taking safety precautions when it comes to using the Internet. Prime examples of such users are children or young adults. Since children are essentially growing up with computers, they are constantly using them because everything they need is on a computer; allowing them to become accustom to the Internet and social networking tools. Schools are even becoming more prominent in using computers in classrooms as a way to enhance and captivate their children since these technological advancements are occuring in society. Just like it was said in the PBS presentation, kids now a days are captivated by their computers all day long, which can lead to issues and concerns from parents about what they are looking at and who they are talking to. In my opinion, this is an important concern stemming from the parents because the Internet can open them to the world. You can have a young, naive child using the Internet, allowing them the capability to do so many things; which in the eyes of parents can be scary because since there so young they aren’t aware about the dangers in it. So when it comes to children using computers, certain safety precautions could be deemed necessary by parents to reduce the issues they have in allowing their children to use the Internet.

During Obama’s presidential endorsement, its campaign took advantage of its social networking tools to support the Obama candidacy. A social networking site was made to help network the campaign and stimulate money donations. The social networking tools included “text messaging, phone tools, and web capacity” which many people took part in, which resulted in a successful outcome for Obamas campaign. This use of the Internet promoted Obama’s campaign, broadcasting and spreading his speeches and beliefs among his site, networking himself around the world to different users of the Internet. From that, Obama became well known on other social networking sites such as Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, and You tube; having the Internet as an advantage in gaining supporters for him and his campaign. Since the Internet and social networking has become such a big part in today’s society, its use of it can be beneficial, making it less time consuming and a more efficient way of connecting people and information throughout the world.

“Virtual Communities” is also another social networking site that has become a popular in today’s society. One of the best-known virtual communities is “Second Life”. Second Life was set up as an online game allowing its players to interact with each other and to do anything in which they imagined. However, it is growing to become useful not just for entertaining purposes, but for aiding in real life instances as well. Throughout the game, it is sought that the players are prepared to face real life challenges, permitting them to use certain skills. It was found that such challenges in the game could help individuals in real life situations. When analyzed by people, business schools realized that this game could be beneficial, and started using this game to assess their students’ entrepreneurial talents. Others realized that this program could be of aid for abused children as a way to help revive their social skills. Unlike other social networking sites that are usually used for leisure activities, this social networking site can be used as an advantage to human beings and can personally aid in benefiting society with various individual issues.

Social networking has become a big part in today’s society. Allowing its use to individuals (young kids, teenagers and adults) can have its advantages because it can give them the opportunity to connect and share information with people. However, it can have its disadvantages as well.