Social media has connected people from almost every corner of the world
The Internet has bridged boundaries, enabling people to communicate and increase their circle of influence on a social and professional level.
Social networking sites request personal and professional life information of the subscribers using their programs. With rating and evaluating capabilities, friends and strangers can leave social media comments, participate in surveys, and ‘like’ or ‘dislike’ your input.
What is Social Networking?
Social networking refers to web sites that offer online services to people who log on as members. Users are able to design a public or semi-public profile subject. They can connect with other members, often sharing content, contacts, comments, surveys, life activities, photos, and videos. Each social networking site has its own membership and communication etiquette.
How did Social Networking Become Popular?
Classmates.com was the first social networking site founded in 1995. Users were able to create their “profile” describing themselves. This page allowed them to exchange private or public messages. People were attracted to the possibility of connecting with long lost friends and family, as well as making new friends.
The word spread and other people signed up. Once a member, users could begin evaluating, rating, and filling out surveys on the web pages of people they would not normally have had the opportunity to ‘meet.’ Soon, the website became popular and boasted a sizable database. Other social networking websites exploded on the Internet scree. Social media hasn’t been the same since.
A good number of social networking websites are designed to fit a certain community. Some are small, but many are big because of global scale usage (Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, MySpace, LinkedIn). Whether they are specialized or not, members are able to create a platform, make comments on their life, complete surveys, as well as receive evaluating and rating feedback.
Social Media Sites Today
There are so many social and business web sites available to Internet users the list keeps growing. Here is a brief list:
- Biznik
- cmypitch.com
- Cofoundr
- E.Factor
- Ecademy
- Entrepreneur Connect
- Fast Pitch
- Focus
- JASEzone
- MySpace
- Networking for Professionals
- PartnerUp
- PerfectBusiness
- Plaxo
- Ryze
- StartupNation
- Tumblr
- Upspring
- Young Entrepreneur
- Ziggs
Emotional Issues Associated with Social Networking
One interesting thing that has occurred in this age of the Internet and social media is that people have become addicted to the online support they experience. Human beings are social, and each person has an innate need to feel accepted, approved, and validated. When a user exposes his life online, he becomes vulnerable to social negativity and community rejection. This can be devastating to one’s sense of self, especially when it comes from a complete stranger.
Think of social acceptance as being associated with a person’s pursuit of fulfillment and happiness. It’s a psychological need to connect with others, especially those who are welcoming and approving. Activities can provide the environment for social acceptance, whether they are face-to-face or online.
If someone is suffering from an inferiority complex – a feeling of being less than adequate – then he or she may look for social acceptance on social media sites. This would be validation from others. Should they be rejected because of attitudes, associations, or abilities, a person may react unfavorably. Jealousy, anger, frustration, poor decision-making abilities, loneliness, or depression may set in and may have a long-lasting effect.
