In today's internet terms, social networking is roughly defined as
specific groups of people getting together for a specific purpose. This
concept exists both online and off. However, social networking on the
internet has really exploded in popularity. In fact, it is the most
preferred choice.
People do still get together offline for social networking, but it is
so important online that it pretty much defines the way the internet
works nowadays. Other tools, such as social bookmarking, are subsets of
social networking. Social bookmarking is when you add your favorite
websites to your account on places like StumbleUpon, and share them
with others.
WHY SOCIAL NETWORK ONLINE?
Think about your community. What kinds of organizations and groups
exist? You may have a group of friends you regularly spend time with.
You may be part of an organization and attend meetings. Or perhaps you
form a study group in college.
The problem with this is that it is a little limiting. People respond
to social networking on the internet because you have access to
millions of people. This means that no matter what you want to
accomplish, you can potentially do so on a large scale.
It also means that people like business owners can potentially reach a
large audience for their product or service. Think about it. Facebook
already has a wide range of people on the site. The demographic
information is readily available. All of this indicates that if the
site is used correctly, the site can definitely be something that
people will start using more and more for entrepreneurial endeavors.
HOW DOES FACEBOOK FIT IN?
Facebook is currently the second largest social networking site on the
internet, and it is growing fast. This means that millions of people
have accounts, form networks and groups, add people to their friends
list, and use the website to socialize and keep in touch.
If you decide you want to do some social networking online, all you
need to do is create an account with Facebook, build up your profile,
get acquainted with the features, and find friends.
FIND LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE
The idea is to decide what you want to accomplish with Facebook and
then use the tools on the site to build up your profile. Once you do
that, you can find people to add to your friends list and join networks
and groups.
If you have no idea what you want to do on the site, you can just
create a general profile and look at the profiles of others. The basic
idea is to find people that you know or want to get to know. Even if
you're using the site to further your business, you need to stick with
this idea.
ETHICS OF SOCIAL NETWORKING
There are some ethics to consider before you start social networking.
First of all, it is important to always have in mind the fact that
social networking is very community oriented. You need to ask yourself
if your actions help support that community. If they don't you could
potentially be violating the unspoken rules.
Basically, if your actions while social networking make people upset,
sad, or angry, you're not handling it in a very ethical way. The same
rules that you use when with someone in person apply online. Behind the
profile picture there is a real person.
Another element that is rigidly adhered to is a no-SPAM policy. This
means that if anything you do can be interpreted as SPAM, then it isn't
allowed. If you're stumped as to what that means, consider what would
annoy you. Constant sales pitches sent to your inbox? Do you get posts
on your wall advertising products? These activities would annoy almost
everyone.
If you conduct yourself in an ethical and civil manner, you will make
the community a better place. If you don't, you shouldn't even sign up
for an account instead of potentially costing yourself business.
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