Week 3 Social Networking

Social Networking... It is all about connecting with people whom are close to you, or keeping in touch (literally within the touch of your fingertips on your laptop, mobile...) with your loved ones or with your friends who are all over the world!! It makes the world a smaller place, as if we were really staying near by.

A social networking service is an online service, platform, or site that focuses on facilitating the building of social networks or social relations among people who, for example, share interests, activities, backgrounds, or real-life connections. A social network service consists of a representation of each user (often a profile), his/her social links, and a variety of additional services. Most social network services are web-based and provide means for users to interact over the Internet, such as e-mail and instant messaging. Online community services are sometimes considered as a social network service, though in a broader sense, social network service usually means an individual-centered service whereas online community services are group-centered. Social networking sites allow users to share ideas, activities, events, and interests within their individual networks.
http://mashable.com/category/social-networking/

I have relatives who stay on the other side of the world, and the expenses to fly there is not cheap at all, hence our only way of meeting is via Skype! This way we can be updated of each other's lives, and most importantly, it's free of charge to use!

Google has revolved around our lives and we are heavily dependant on it. Now that google has integrated many different applications, everything is all at one website especially Google Documents, gmail maps and more! We use group documents as a common network to discuss projects, share ideas without having to meet up face to face. Maps have helped us a lot  especially guiding us around and even showing exact locations of where you are, so that your friends know too!

Twitter:

Twitter is a free microblogging service founded in 2006 by Jack Dorsey and Biz Stone. At its heart are 140-character bursts of information called tweets. Users can include links to other content in their tweets, and broadcasts can be public or private. Celebrities, journalists, politicians and other public figures have established significant followings on Twitter. Media outlets in particular use Twitter as a way to broadcast breaking news.

Since its founding, Twitter has grown into a social media juggernaut, and popularity on the service is often used as a benchmark of influence. Companies have also used the service as a way to engage with their customers - offering promotions and other specials.

http://mashable.com/category/twitter/

In recent years, the number of users of social networking sites has drastically increased and business has found the opportunity to reach out to a larger pool of customers. There also has been an improvement in sales and that is the proof that social networking does have an effect on business! Even I myself am updated of any promotions or sales a company may have. My knowledge of the company has increased and the best part is I can even send in my feedback via Twitter of Facebook and get a prompt reply. Almost every large company has created a free Facebook page and can be trusted.