Thursday, January 14, 2010

What,When,How,Why?

What are Social Networking Sites?
Social networking is the grouping of individuals into specific groups, like small rural communities or a neighbourhood subdivision. Although Social Networking can be seen in person, like schools and workplaces(think along the lines of cliques), it is hugely popular online as well.

Examples of free, popular Social Networking Sites would be:





What can we do on Social Networking Sites?
Through my experience in using the-now-defunct Friendster, and wide use of Facebook, I will attempt to share with you the most common things that people do on or through these Social Networking Sites. The examples are not exhaustive, and might have a tinge of my personal opinions and beliefs.

On Social Networking Sites such as Facebook, users are able to share with one another what's happening in their lives, the latest updates/trends/gossips, or even stay close & connected to one another by viewing each other's profiles.

Common features frequently used on Facebook would be the:
  • "Staus Update"
  • "Comments"
  • "Writing On Walls"
  • "Photo Uploads"
"Status Update" lets your entire list of friends know what you are currently thinking of, or doing, and can be used as a really powerful tool for the lastest gossips/happenings too!



"Comments" are widely used as almost anything ranging from a photograph to a wall post, can be commented on! However, not all comments are beneficial and edifying, as some people on Facebook do tend to comment crudely and uncouthly.


"Writing On Walls" is another useful feature that would allow birthday wishes, congratulations message, or messages of encouragement to be posted onto your friend's profile page, for others to view & comment too.



"Photo Uploads" and taggings make sharing that Family Gathering Photo, or the picture of your newly bought Car, so much easier! All you have to do is upload the particular photo onto Facebook, start tagging, and the people included in the photograph will be notified!


General Advice/Preventive Measures
Because there are literally MILLIONS of people on Social Networking Sites, it is useful to keep the following preventive tips in mind for your safety, and for security measures.
  • Do not disclose personal and private information that can be used for verification purposes! (e.g. Home addresses, Phone Numbers, Identification Card Numbers, Birth Dates)
  • NEVER post your Credit Card Number anywhere in your profile, or on your wall page!
  • Make sure photos you have posted do not infringe copyrights, or contain explicit content! You never know who might be lurking around or preying on you girls.
  • Ensure comments are edifying and beneficial to the Topic, or particular person. Feelings are involved!

20 comments:

  1. Hey Gordon,

    Social Networking sites are like so common nowadays and I myself am a fan of Facebook. I use it like everyday, and even when I wake up in the morning, I go into Facebook. And yeah, about privacy and all, I make sure only the contacts that I've added can see my info and pics, and not those who I've never added.

    Nicholas M.
    0900322I

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Gordon,

    When one mentions 'social networking site', the first one that comes into mind will be Facebook because it has become such a huge part of our lives and so many people are using it. It has even beat Friendster, Myspace, Multipy etc.

    Regarding your last point in the General Advice/Preventive Measures section, you mentioned that comments should be edifying and beneficial because feelings are involved. I think on Facebook (or any other social networking site for that matter), people tend to take things with a pinch of salt and any sarcasm or humour is taken lightly.

    I think it's all very personal and subjective to each individual on what is edifying and beneficial, but I agree that we should exercise discernment on our part to be considerate to others whether online or off.

    Jovita Chua
    0704536B

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Gordon,

    I agree with what Nick said, i use facebook everyday and is actually "addicted to it". The personal information that i have shown in my profile is only my name and school and only my the people that i have added as friends can view it.

    ReplyDelete
  4. hello!

    I find that thou there are many things we can do on facebook, but the usual things of commenting, updating of status, playing of games, etc etc. is getting boring. :DD


    Fiona
    0800748F

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Gordon! One thing I like most about Facebook is the status updates and how easy it is to upload pictures. It's kinda like the same as twitter eh? :)

    Sharon
    0805656F

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Gordon,

    Social networking sites, provide a platform for people to communicate with each other. As Jovita said, facebook is the most typical example of it. But, i do agree with Fiona's opinion that facebook becomes more and more boring, every time we just repeating the same things, commenting, updating of status, playing games, etc..

    What if these social networking sites enable new features? So as to maintain the popular among people.

    0906481G
    Li MengYing

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi Gordon,

    Those are helpful tips on general advice regarding social networking sites.

    I think with so many people using these sites, it is easy to overlook that it is important to be safe and protect yourself by not publishing personal information.

    Shea John Driscoll
    0701154G

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Gordon,

    What is your personal take on using social networking sites for social purposes? Are there any positive or negative sides?

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Gordon,

    As users post increasingly personal information on social networking sites e.g. share what they are thinking, doing and what's happening in their lives through their status updates, do you think it may be wise to restrict profile views to friends only so they are aware of who they are sharing with?

    Tan Su Yi Kay 0703121D T04

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hey Gordon,

    Yes it is true that social networking sites are very popular and common for people to keep in touch with one another.However,it will jeopardized the soft skills in us. Don't you think so?

    Nur Syabrina
    0900355I

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Gordon,

    I agree about and enjoy the ease of using Facebook - uploading comments, pictures etc are indeed very convenient to do.

    I also think social networking sites can make maintaining social relationships cheaper as well as more convenient. For example, people can buy and send their friends virtual gifts like beer or football jerseys which are much cheaper than their real-life counterparts.

    Aubrey Ess
    0706227F

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi,

    I believe that everyone here all have a facebook account which can tell how popular it is. I got a bit addicted to it at first by those games and things they have. But nowadays I find nothing really interesting in it already. Other than updating myself with my friends' status.

    Siang Heng,
    0800408G

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hey Gordon,

    First off, informative video by the way and great advice on the preventive measures. I definitely have to agree that female users of any social networking sites have to be aware that their personal photos which are uploaded are not explicit. Who knows what other people viewing their pictures would do right?

    Usually when commenting on their personal updates, a clever way when they wished to 'talk back' about a particular person, instead of stating the obvious, play around with words and say in an indirect manner. Its ok if people wonder who your commenting about rather than knowing the actual person your mad with:)

    Farahin
    0805286B

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hello,

    The only social networking websites I use now are Facebook, myspace, and Tagged. Ranked according to the frequency of usage.

    I think Facebook is a really powerful social networking website, it has created several controversial issues though. I keep EVERYTHING on my Facebook restricted to 'friends only' because it's that powerful, even my parents and relatives or whoever use it.

    Myspace is good for checking out new music, upcoming bands.

    Tagged, I seldom log into it. I don't even know why I have a Tagged account.

    I agree that everyone should keep their information safe and private online.

    Daphne-rae Lee, 0701588F

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi Gordon,

    I think it is quite a standard task for me to click on facebook when my computer is on.

    Your presentation makes me understand more about the purpose of social networking.

    I do agree that preventive measures should be taken, as things go on to internet, cannot expect the things that may happen.

    Wei Chong
    0901463J

    ReplyDelete
  16. Social networking sites are so important to us nowadays, even presidents and members of the govt. use it. Powerful tool.

    Mak Ann Wei
    0902851E

    ReplyDelete
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  18. The importance of social networking sites in today's world is immense. Indeed, the above mentioned websites are best, however there is also a latest Social Networking site MyworldGo , where you can connect with others. We are also available on iOS and android.

    ReplyDelete
  19. The importance of social networking sites in today's world is immense. Indeed, the above mentioned websites are best, however there is also a latest Social Networking site MyworldGo , where you can connect with others. We are also available on iOS and android.

    ReplyDelete
  20. The importance of social networking sites in today's world is immense. Indeed, the above mentioned websites are best, however there is also a latest Social Networking site MyworldGo , where you can connect with others. We are also available on iOS and android.

    ReplyDelete