Explanation: Social networking services (SNS) are fundamentally designed to facilitate the construction and maintenance of social networks and relationships, often based on shared personal information, interests, or existing real-world connections.

Explanation: Social networking services are typically individual-centered, focusing on an individual's network of connections, whereas online community services are generally group-centered.

Explanation: Boyd and Ellison (2007) identified key features of social networking sites as the ability to construct a public or semi-public profile and articulate a list of connections (friends) visible within the system.

Explanation: Users 'type themselves into being' by providing answers to profile questions regarding personal details, interests, and other information, thereby constructing their online identity.

Explanation: The primary function of a social networking service (SNS) is to enable users to construct social networks and relationships online, often based on shared interests or existing connections.

Explanation: Mandatory membership fees are not a typical component of most social networking services; they usually offer free access, generating revenue through other means like advertising.

Explanation: The distinction lies in their focus: social networking services are generally individual-centered, emphasizing personal networks, while online community services are typically group-centered.

Explanation: Boyd and Ellison (2007) identified public profiles and visible friend lists as the most fundamental technical features characterizing social networking sites.

Explanation: Social networks facilitate interaction by offering a digital space where users can share ideas, posts, and information about activities, extending connections beyond physical proximity.

Explanation: A key distinction is that social networking services are typically individual-centered, focusing on personal networks, while online community services are generally group-centered.

Explanation: Early online services such as Usenet and ARPANET were instrumental in exploring and developing computer-mediated social interaction, laying groundwork for modern social networking.

Explanation: Early World Wide Web communities such as Geocities, launched in 1994, focused on connecting people through chat rooms and personal web pages, facilitating user-generated content and community building.

Explanation: Open Diary introduced 'friends-only' content and reader comments, features that significantly enhanced user interaction and privacy controls on social networks.

Explanation: SixDegrees.com, launched in 1997, is considered an early precursor to modern social networking platforms, pioneering features like user profiles and friend lists.

Explanation: The term 'social media' was first used in 2004 and is often used interchangeably with or to describe social networking services, reflecting the broader category of platforms facilitating user-generated content and interaction.

Explanation: Usenet is cited as an early online service that explored computer-mediated social interaction prior to the advent of the World Wide Web.

Explanation: Open Diary introduced 'friends-only' content and reader comments, features that significantly enhanced user interaction and privacy controls within social networks.

Explanation: SixDegrees.com, launched in 1997, is recognized as a significant early social networking site that pioneered foundational features such as user profiles and friend lists.

Explanation: The term 'social media' originated in 2004 and is frequently used interchangeably with or to encompass social networking services, reflecting the broader category of online platforms facilitating user-generated content.

Explanation: Social networking services are accessible across a wide range of devices, including desktop computers, laptops, tablet computers, and smartphones, offering broad accessibility.

Explanation: During the COVID-19 pandemic, videoconferencing platforms such as Zoom became integral to maintaining social connections by facilitating various online environments for work, education, and social interaction.

Explanation: User profiles became a central feature of social networking sites in the late 1990s, enabling users to manage connections and discover others with shared interests.

Explanation: There is a growing trend towards increased interoperability between social networks, facilitated by technologies like OpenID, aiming to reduce data duplication and enhance user experience.

Explanation: Location-based services, exemplified by platforms like Foursquare, enable users to check into physical locations and share geotagged content, integrating real-world presence with online activity.

Explanation: As of January 2024, Facebook remains the largest social networking service globally, boasting the highest number of active users.

Explanation: A trend towards increased interoperability between social networks is emerging, supported by technologies like OpenID, aiming to streamline user experience and data sharing.

Explanation: User check-ins at physical locations, as seen on platforms like Foursquare, exemplify the trend of location-based services within social networking.

Explanation: The 'real-time web' trend, exemplified by platforms like Twitter, involves broadcasting content as it is uploaded, enabling immediate dissemination of information.

Explanation: During the COVID-19 pandemic, platforms like Zoom became integral for maintaining social connections across diverse online environments, highlighting their role in facilitating communication and interaction.

Explanation: Web-based social networking services tend to transcend geographic and political boundaries, enabling connections and fostering cooperation across diverse populations.

Explanation: Scholarly research on social networking sites encompasses a broad range of impacts, including identity formation, political engagement, privacy concerns, social capital, and educational implications, extending beyond just youth culture.

Explanation: Users commonly add their offline friends to platforms like Facebook to maintain contact, thereby extending and supplementing their real-world relationships.

Explanation: By 2013, a significant majority, 73%, of U.S. adults had adopted the use of social networking sites, indicating widespread adoption across the adult population.

Explanation: Research suggests that excessive use of social networking sites is linked to negative mental health outcomes, such as increased rates of depression and anxiety, rather than improved well-being.

Explanation: Presenting idealized versions of life on social media can foster social comparison, leading to feelings of inadequacy and negatively impacting users' mental health and overall well-being.

Explanation: Abusive communication on social networking platforms stems from multiple factors, including anonymity, boredom, attention-seeking behavior, and online polarization, not solely from a lack of moderation.

Explanation: Some research indicates that Facebook use can foster a sense of social connectedness, which in turn may contribute to lower levels of depression and anxiety, thereby positively impacting mental well-being.

Explanation: Web-based social networking services significantly enhance global connectivity by enabling individuals to form connections across political and geographic boundaries, thereby fostering cooperation and shared understanding.

Explanation: Excessive engagement with social networking sites has been associated with negative psychological outcomes, including increased rates of depression and anxiety, often stemming from social comparison and idealized self-presentation.

Explanation: The presentation of idealized life narratives on social media often triggers social comparison among users, potentially leading to feelings of inadequacy and inferiority.

Explanation: Some research suggests that Facebook use can foster a greater sense of social connectedness, which may correlate with improved psychological well-being.

Explanation: Primary issues associated with social networking services include significant privacy concerns and the prevalence of bullying, impacting user safety and well-being.

Explanation: Privacy concerns represent a primary issue associated with social networking services, alongside other challenges like cyberbullying and potential misuse of personal data.

Explanation: LinkedIn is primarily categorized as a networking service, focusing on professional connections and career development, rather than a socialization service for existing friends.

Explanation: Employers frequently assess candidates' social media profiles, and offensive or unseemly content has led to the rejection of job applicants, highlighting the impact of online presence on professional opportunities.

Explanation: A 2015 study indicated that younger adults (18-34) were significantly more likely than older adults (55+) to use social networking sites for purchasing decisions.

Explanation: Businesses leverage social networking technologies to enhance, not reduce, their online presence, integrating them for community building, professional networking, and brand engagement.

Explanation: Jody Nimetz identifies lead generation as one of the five principal uses of social media for businesses, alongside brand awareness, reputation management, recruitment, and competitive analysis.

Explanation: Social networks are actively utilized within scientific communities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and maintaining professional relationships, thereby enhancing research and discovery.

Explanation: Platforms such as Academia.edu and ResearchGate are primarily utilized for professional networking and knowledge dissemination among researchers, not for social entertainment.

Explanation: Social networking services are frequently used by college students for finding internships and job opportunities, serving as vital platforms for professional networking and career development.

Explanation: Crowdsourcing platforms leverage social media primarily for external engagement, connecting businesses with freelancers for services, fundraising, and project collaboration, rather than internal communication.

Explanation: A key difference is that online dating sites often require membership fees, whereas most popular social networking services are generally free to use.

Explanation: Virtual currency systems within social networks, such as Hub Culture's 'Ven,' can facilitate real-world financial transactions, enabling global commerce and trading beyond in-game purchases.

Explanation: Platforms such as PatientsLikeMe and DailyStrength are designed to support individuals facing similar health conditions or life challenges by connecting them with peers for shared experiences and mutual support.

Explanation: 'Brand networking' involves businesses creating consumer relationships by connecting them on platforms that offer relevant content and participation elements, leveraging social trends for engagement.

Explanation: Social networks facilitate scientific collaboration by enhancing the sharing of ideas and fostering connections among researchers, rather than hindering them.

Explanation: Employers screen social media profiles to gain insights into a candidate's personality, behavior, and overall suitability for a role, as online content can reflect professional judgment.

Explanation: Jody Nimetz identifies creating brand awareness and managing reputation as key uses of social media for businesses, alongside lead generation and competitive analysis.

Explanation: Researchers commonly utilize platforms such as Academia.edu, LinkedIn, and ResearchGate for professional networking, sharing research, and disseminating knowledge within their fields.

Explanation: Virtual currency systems within social networks are creating new financial opportunities by enabling global transactions, trading, and linking to real-world assets or environmental factors.

Explanation: 'Brand networking' is a business strategy that involves building consumer relationships by engaging them on platforms that offer relevant content and interactive elements.

Explanation: A notable difference is that most popular social networking services are free, while online dating sites frequently require membership fees.

Explanation: ResearchGate is a prominent platform frequently utilized by researchers for professional networking and the dissemination of academic work.

Explanation: PatientsLikeMe is an example of a social network specifically designed to support individuals managing health conditions by connecting them with others facing similar challenges.

Explanation: Social networks offer potential benefits for scientific collaboration by assisting researchers in maintaining professional relationships and identifying potential collaborators.

Explanation: The widespread adoption of social networking sites across diverse age groups challenges the strict dichotomy between 'Digital Natives' and 'Digital Immigrants,' suggesting digital literacy is not solely age-dependent.

Explanation: Conversely, using social networking services in classrooms can potentially enhance student engagement and facilitate out-of-class communication, offering flexible learning experiences.

Explanation: A primary concern regarding social networking in schools is that these sites are often viewed as distractions from academic tasks and pose significant privacy risks for students.

Explanation: Blocking social networking services in schools is debated; an alternative perspective suggests that educating students on responsible usage and integrating these tools is more effective for digital preparedness.

Explanation: Platforms such as 'English, baby!' and 'LiveMocha' are explicitly designed for educational purposes, facilitating language learning and cultural exchange.

Explanation: Social networks foster learning by creating spaces conducive to engagement, sharing, mentoring, and social interaction, aligning with Henry Jenkins' concept of 'participatory culture'.

Explanation: The broad adoption of social networking sites across diverse age demographics challenges the 'Digital Natives' vs. 'Digital Immigrants' concept, indicating that digital literacy is not strictly determined by birth year.

Explanation: Social networking services can offer educational benefits by enhancing student involvement and providing flexible learning experiences that supplement traditional teaching methods.

Explanation: Primary concerns regarding social networking in educational settings include their potential to distract students and the inherent privacy risks associated with sharing personal information online.

Explanation: Social networks foster learning by establishing environments that encourage engagement, content sharing, mentoring, and social interaction, aligning with the principles of participatory culture.

Explanation: Schools often block social networking services due to concerns about potential distractions, the risk of cyberbullying, and the safeguarding of student privacy.

Explanation: Social networking services can enhance student involvement and provide flexible learning experiences, serving as a potential educational benefit when integrated into classroom activities.

Explanation: Platforms such as 'English, baby!' and 'LiveMocha' are designed with the primary purpose of facilitating language learning and cultural exchange among users.

Explanation: While younger demographics increasingly use social networking sites as a news source, they do not exclusively rely on them, and often express mixed opinions regarding the reliability of such content.

Explanation: Activists have effectively used social networks for grassroots organizing, achieving significant cost savings compared to traditional methods by mobilizing participants efficiently.

Explanation: Information posted on social media platforms is increasingly utilized in legal and criminal investigations, serving as evidence in court proceedings and for forensic profiling.

Explanation: Government agencies actively employ social networking tools for public outreach, disseminating information, and soliciting suggestions from citizens.

Explanation: Social media has had a profound and transformative impact on modern political campaigns, significantly altering how candidates engage with voters and mobilize support.

Explanation: Facebook and Twitter were credited, not criticized, for their significant role in the 2011 Egyptian revolution, facilitating protest organization and news dissemination.

Explanation: Activists leverage social networks as a cost-effective means to organize grassroots movements and mobilize participants, often achieving greater reach than traditional methods.

Explanation: Facebook and Twitter were credited with playing a pivotal role in the 2011 Egyptian revolution by facilitating protest planning and disseminating news and information.

Explanation: Most large social networking sites, such as Facebook, primarily generate revenue through online advertising, rather than membership fees, to encourage user growth.

Explanation: In social networks, users often fulfill dual roles as both suppliers and consumers of content, contributing to the platform's dynamic and interactive nature.

Explanation: The 'friendship paradox' suggests that, on average, an individual's friends tend to have more friends than the individual does, a phenomenon observed in network structures.

Explanation: The primary business model for many social networks involves online advertising, which allows them to offer services to users without direct fees.

Explanation: The 'friendship paradox' posits that, on average, an individual's social connections (friends) possess a larger number of connections than the individual does.

Explanation: The prevalent business model for many social networks is online advertising, which enables them to provide services to users without direct charges.

Explanation: Social networks differ from traditional models as members typically function in dual roles, acting as both suppliers and consumers of content, contributing to the platform's ecosystem.