Social Networking (CSCI12)

Second Life

2009-10-02T14:44:00.001-07:00

After taking a look around on the official website of "Second Life", it seems that there are many elements to this relatively new social networking game. It is a 3D virtual world which allows users to interact with each other using their own created avatars. It was created for play but now is being used for bigger purposes. It allows different businesses and organizations to use the game in multiple ways. Wired.com reports that business school students are able to test their entrepreneurial talents using SL, as well as for abused children to rediscover social skills. This type of social networking can open many doors for its' users. People can interact, build social skills, learn to collaborate, and practice computer skills in what is known as virtual communities. Meeting other people who share the same interests can help facilitate and develop these connections.

However, social networking tools and applications cannot replace real life socialization. While these tools can bring people together, it can also bring them apart. With people spending more time online and being well-connected, they lose face to face contact and might start to isolate themselves. Everything must be done in moderation. Cyberspace cannot replace real life interactions.

Obama's Effective Social Networking Campaign

2009-10-02T13:10:00.000-07:00

Social networking has evolved over the years, it is not just for personal use now, professionals have started to interact with people through them as well. Obama was able to reach out to a lot of people through social networkings applications. It opened the doors to fast information through social networking tools, such as Twitter and Facebook. People can easily and quickly access up-to-date information on and off the computer with Iphone/Blackberry applications and text messaging. They can also distribute this information to others as fast as they received it. There is no geographical or time barrier. It builds a feeling of community, everyone shares the same cause. In the modern age today, the internet and mobile are currently the most used source of up-to-date news. During his campaign Obama's name was everywhere on the net, on Youtube videos, Myspace, Twitter. He was able to make a connection to his supporters through the use of the social networking tools.

There are huge implications for businesses and professionals who decide to use technology to network with people. They will be able to receive free feedback, advertise more easily (probably cheaper as well), and get their information out.

Growing Up Online

2009-10-02T13:04:00.001-07:00

The program "Growing Up Online" was really interesting to watch. They gave both sides screentime enough to explain their own views and implications for the future. The parents and teachers struggle to connect with students on the internet and it's just very difficult because there are basically no rules or regulations on what you can and cannot do. Most parents are even unaware of what their children do online. The parent may think, "Oh my son/daughter is at home and safe on the internet. Nothing can happen to them in the comfort of our own home." But through the program, it seems that socialization online can be harmful.

People's inhibitions are wiped away and will do/say things that they would normally think twice about in face-to-face situations. Teenagers have access to any type of information through the internet whether it be for good or bad, examples of bad research through Halligan (research on suicide) and the teen girl on eating disorders. As a parent, you don't want to seem as if you are intruding on and trying to control your child's private life but at the same time, you want to monitor and ensure their safety. It really requires parents to sit down and talk to their child about these situations. Come to an amicable agreement about things that they should reach out to their parents about.