There are many ways that people can interact with others and organisations online via social networks (Facebook, Twitter), web camera/instant messenger apps (Skype, FaceTime, MSN) or dating websites (Match, Uniform Dating). Email was more popular a few years ago but still is commonly used particularly in business.
Social Networking is something that most people do. There are over 1 Billion Facebook members and Twitter has a similar number. They are popular because of how easy it is to share information. When signing up to any social network you will be prompt to input personal data about yourself such as a birth date, gender, where you live and your age. This is so that the sites can choose what adverts you see, companies will pay lots of money to advertise on popular sites. For example, Facebook will only show adverts about a new girls perfume for the members who say they are female. In a similar way, Facebook will show you other people that have the same interests as you. This is seen as a easy way to meet new people.
But social networks have there problems. It's easy for people to make an account and pretend to be someone else. This could allow them to steal bank details or find out where people live as a lot of the time users put important information online without thinking about who will see it.
Instant messaging is similar to email but is generally easier. Popular I.M sites and apps include MSN, Skype, Facetime, Kik and AIM. Most allow you to use a web cam to make a more visual and interesting conversation. These are becoming less popular recently as the popular social networks have their own instant messengers on them. Facebook has even produced the app Facebook Messenger for Facebook users to communicate with their Facebook friends with even more ease. People still may prefer to use I.M sites mostly because of the webcam function. The problem with this ease to see each other online has it's drawbacks. People may choose just to do this instead of seeing people. However, it does mean that people can communicate all over the world in an almost real experience. Someone doing a gap year in Australia can talk with their family back home daily.
Dating websites seem to be being used more and more. Many people regard them as a great way of meeting a partner. Big companies such as Match and Uniform Dating invest a lot of money and time into producing sites that make online dating a simple, quick and effective way of meeting others. There is often a cost for signing up to them and that is how they make their money. The main problem with the sites is that users feel insecure about sharing personal information and about arranging a meeting with someone they have never actually seen. There have been incidents where people who found each other online have actually met up. The websites don't have to be dangerous as long as users take there time in thinking about what information they're sharing, I.e they're address, phone number.
With any online communication (especially social networking) people can priorities it in their lives. This is a problem as they may put it before meeting up with others physically, they become unsociable and unused to being around others. So how much should people interact with others online? What do you think?
I think you're right saying that social networking is great for communication, but then I can also see your view in that some elements can be seen as an ambiguous issue. I personally think it's a great way of staying in contact, but I think businesses have used this opportunity to 'spam' online.
ReplyDeleteI think that the point you are putting across is a good one I just feel that you are being very negative on the whole advertising and social networking market. If people choose to put up personal information that is their choice they are not forced as is the fact that they can change their normal and privacy settings to see less of these adverts and also keep their own information private.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you have said, and replying on behalf of Joanna's comment I don't believe businesses use it to spam but to try and advertise with the least amount of effort.
ReplyDeleteCommunication is very easy on social networks and there are some problems like cyber bullying but like Jacob says, this can be avoided by changing your privacy settings. I agree with you Joanna and Ryan that business's do tend to spam social network users and sites like Facebook or Twitter should consider this or else they may loose users.
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