Advantages and disadvantages of social networking sites Term Paper

Advantages and disadvantages of social networking sites - Term Paper Example Social network sites are web-based services that enable an individual to create a public or a semi-public profile inside a bounded system,communicate with other users by sharing a connection with them,and view as well as traverse their and also those created by others list of connections . Since the beginning, social networking sites (SNSs) such as Facebook, MySpace, Bebo, Cyworld, LinkedIn and others have fascinated millions of users, a number of whom have incorporated these networking sites into their every day life. These SNSs have transcended beyond global borders and have spread across in several forms, supporting an extensive range of practices as well as interests. The key technological features provided by these sites have been observed to be quite consistent, but the culture that generally emerges around the SNSs is primarily varied. These sites enable people to connect with strangers as well as known individual by the virtue of shared interests as well as activities and pol itical views. A few sites cater to varied audiences, whereas others draw people based on shared sexual, racial, religious as well as national identities or common languages. These social networking sites vary in the level up to which they include new communication and information tools, such as blogging, mobile connectivity, and photo or video sharing (Boyd & Ellison, â€Å"Social Network Sites: Definition, History, and Scholarship†). According to a study conducted by ECAR Research Study (2008), it was found that SNSs were particularly well-liked among the under-graduates. Facebook was observed to be the social networking site of choice among the majority of respondents. The data also found that around 85.1% of the respondents were users of SNSs. Therefore, the attraction towards social networking sites is undeniable. The prime advantage that these sites provide is related to getting as well as staying in touch (Educause Center for Applied Research, â€Å"Social Networking S ites†) The social networking sites provide advantages for the business organizations as they can use flash advertisements of their products in order to capture the attention of varied users while they browse these SNSs. Thus, it provides a creative selling opportunity for the users. In terms of cost-benefit point of view, the advantages that this kind of advertisement provides to business organizations are immense. As compared to other media, this method of advertising is quite cost-effective for the businesses. It also provides a scope to target large consumer segment that are present in different parts of the world. Therefore, from the business’ point of view SNSs provides a unique opportunity to showcase their offerings to people (Oracle ThinkQuest, â€Å"Why Use Networking Sites?†). The SNSs provide people with an opportunity to create as well as maintain relationships, gather information on various subjects; provides an opportunity to contribute and also par ticipate in various social issues and causes, and enables professional networking which is invaluable for a jobseeker as well as employer. SNSs also enable newscasters to keep the users aware of the recent events. The sharing of knowledge and experience can be invaluable though SNSs as users belonging to different fields such as education, medicine, finance, technology and others can advice people regarding their queries on public forums (Boise Public Library, â€Å"Tweeting Isn’t Just for the Birds†). The social networking sites enable political organizations to be in contact directly with the public in more personal way. This makes these political organizations more reachable, personable, as well as comprehending with regard to the individuals that generally follow their activities or participate in them. As the SNSs are spread across the global arena,