Understand Social Networks
Understanding Social Networks
People have been communicating via the Internet for quite awhile. It used to be about using bulletin board systems with chat rooms, discussion groups, or message board discussions. Times have changed......now its all about meeting up with people with similar interests, share information, and "spreading the word" on a global, through the Internet basis.
It's called social networking. Social networking actually comes in two different formats. One, and currently the most used, is the 'friend-to-friend' networking. This is exemplified my MySpace and FaceBook. With F2F networks, all you need to do is establish an account with a valid email address. Once you login, you create a profile and customize a personal page. Then you invite friends and share information and thus expand your network.
Social networking sites have many features. Most now have the ability to upload photos, post blogs, search through classifieds and other public forums, and upload music and video (although this is relatively new). Most sites offer privacy controls to screen friends before permission for access.
The majority of networks are free and open to the public. Since the environment is free and open there is a good and bad sides. The good side is much information can be shared....the bad side is that all that is said and done is a matter of public record. A good rule of thumb to follow - play it safe and exercise caution when posting.
There are many friend to friend networks out there.. My Space has more than 70 million users. FaceBook caters to more of a college crowd. Flickr's focus is on photo sharing Businesses and professionals use Linked In. There are new networks being established almost everyday.
Social networks are a great way to meet new friends and to share common interests. However, with the popularity of these sites with pre-teens, teens, and the twenty-something crowd, it is wise for parents and guardians to monitor and instill the necessity to exercise caution when sharing personal information. Remember, meeting new people is fun and exciting, but think before you click!
For more information about internet safety, contact Leslie Crandall, Extension Educator, UNL Extension - Phelps/Gosper Counties, lcrandall1@unl.edu.
