What is the fundamental definition of a social networking service (SNS)?

A social networking service (SNS), also known as a social networking site, is a type of online social media platform that people utilize to build social networks or relationships with others. These connections are typically based on shared personal or career content, interests, activities, backgrounds, or existing real-life connections.

How do social networking services facilitate social relationships?

SNS platforms allow users to build social networks and relationships by providing a space for interaction that can extend beyond in-person meetings. They enable users to share ideas, digital photos and videos, posts, and information about their activities and events with people within their established social network.

What range of devices can social networking services operate on?

Social networking services can operate on a variety of devices, including traditional desktops and laptops, as well as mobile devices such as tablet computers and smartphones. This accessibility allows users to connect and share content regardless of their primary device.

What is the key distinction between a social networking service and an online community service?

While both are types of online platforms, social networking services are generally considered individual-centered, focusing on an individual's network of connections. Online community services, on the other hand, are typically group-centered.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic influence the use of videoconferencing platforms like Zoom in relation to social networking?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, videoconferencing platforms like Zoom became integral for connecting people globally. They facilitated various online environments such as school, university, work, and government meetings, highlighting their role in maintaining social connections when physical interaction was limited.

What are the three main components that characterize most social networking services?

Most social networking services typically include category places (like age or occupation), means to connect with friends (often through self-description pages), and a recommendation system linked to trust.

Can you categorize the main types of social networking services based on their primary function?

Yes, social network services can be categorized into four main types: socialization services (primarily for socializing with existing friends, e.g., Facebook), online social networks (decentralized and distributed networks), networking services (primarily for non-social interpersonal communication, e.g., LinkedIn), and social navigation services (for finding specific information or resources, e.g., Goodreads, Reddit).

What historical online services laid the groundwork for modern social networking?

Early online services like Usenet, ARPANET, LISTSERV, and bulletin board services (BBS) explored computer-mediated social interaction. Platforms such as The Source, Delphi, America Online, Prodigy, CompuServe, and The WELL also incorporated early features that paved the way for today's social networking sites.

What role did early World Wide Web communities play in the development of social networking?

Early WWW communities like Theglobe.com (1995), Geocities (1994), and Tripod.com (1995) were crucial. They focused on bringing people together through chat rooms and encouraged users to share personal information and ideas via personal web pages, providing easy-to-use publishing tools and web space.

When did user profiles become a central feature of social networking sites, and what did they enable?

User profiles became a central feature in the late 1990s. They allowed users to compile lists of 'friends' and search for others with similar interests, marking a significant advancement in managing connections online.

What innovative features did Open Diary introduce that became important for user interaction on social networks?

Open Diary, a community for online diarists, introduced two key features: friends-only content and the reader comment. These features significantly enhanced user interaction and privacy controls within social networks.

Which social networking site, launched in 1997, is considered a precursor to modern platforms?

SixDegrees.com, launched in 1997, is recognized as an early and influential social networking site that helped pioneer features like user profiles and friend lists, paving the way for subsequent platforms.

How has the term 'social media' evolved in relation to social networking services?

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 online platforms facilitating user-generated content and interaction.

What is the social impact of web-based social networking services regarding global connectivity?

Web-based social networking services enable people to connect across political, economic, and geographic borders. They foster online communities where information can be shared freely, promoting cooperation and reciprocal altruism.

How can social networking sites influence an individual's professional life, according to employers?

Companies increasingly use social media to assess potential employees' personalities and behavior. Candidates have been rejected due to offensive or unseemly content posted on their social networks, demonstrating the impact on employability.

What areas of life are being studied in relation to the impact of social networking sites?

Scholars are investigating the impact of social networking sites on various aspects of life, including identity, politics, privacy, social capital, youth culture, and education. These studies explore how these platforms shape individual and societal behaviors.

How do users typically utilize social networking sites like Facebook in relation to their offline friends?

Users often add their offline friends on platforms like Facebook to maintain contact. This practice can blur the lines between personal and professional lives, as online interactions supplement or extend real-world relationships.

What is the role of social networking sites as a news source, and what are user opinions on its reliability?

Many users, particularly younger demographics, increasingly rely on social networking sites as a primary news source. However, users often express mixed opinions regarding the reliability of news content found on these platforms, partly due to the absence of traditional media gatekeepers.

What percentage of U.S. adults used social networking sites in 2013, and how does this compare to younger demographics?

A 2013 survey indicated that 73% of U.S. adults used social-networking sites. While this shows widespread adoption among adults, teenage usage rates are also high and have been increasing, with 73% of online teenagers using SNS in 2010.

How do social networking sites influence consumer purchasing decisions?

A 2015 study revealed that a significant majority (85%) of individuals aged 18 to 34 use social networking sites for their purchasing decisions. This contrasts with older adults (55+), who are more likely to rely on word-of-mouth recommendations.

What are some of the potential negative psychological impacts associated with excessive social networking use?

Excessive use of social networking sites may be linked to increased rates of depression and anxiety. Some research suggests that the negative effects of platforms like Facebook can be comparable to or even greater than the positive effects of face-to-face interactions.

How can social media usage lead to social comparison and affect users' mental well-being?

Users often present idealized versions of their lives on social media, leading others to feel inferior by comparison. This social comparison, especially with individuals perceived as similar or superior, can negatively impact mental health and well-being, sometimes resulting in 'Facebook Fatigue'.

What are some of the social-technological explanations for abusive communication on social networking platforms?

Abusive communication on SNS can be attributed to factors such as the anonymity afforded by online interactions, boredom, attention-seeking behavior, and the polarization of online debates. This can manifest as cyberbullying and online trolling.

What are the typical technical features shared by most social networking sites, according to boyd and Ellison (2007)?

According to boyd and Ellison's 2007 research, typical features include the ability for users to construct a public or semi-public profile, articulate a list of connections (friends), and view their own list of connections within the system. Visible profiles with friend lists are considered the most basic of these features.

How do users typically 'type themselves into being' on social networking profiles?

Users 'type themselves into being' by creating profiles that are generated from answers to questions about their age, location, interests, and other personal details. Some platforms allow further customization with pictures, multimedia content, or profile modifications through applications.

What trend is emerging regarding interoperability between different social networks?

There is a growing trend towards increased interoperability between social networks, driven by technologies like OpenID and OpenSocial. This aims to reduce the need for users to duplicate information across different platforms.

What are the emerging trends in social networking sites related to real-time and location-based services?

Key emerging trends include the 'real-time web,' where content is broadcast as it's uploaded (popularized by Twitter), and 'location-based' services, where users can check into places (like Foursquare and Gowalla) or share geotagged content.

How are businesses leveraging social networking concepts and technologies?

Businesses are integrating technologies like cloud computing with social networking to create interactive communities based on shared business needs. They use platforms like LinkedIn for professional networking and career services, and also develop 'brand networking' strategies to build consumer relationships.

What are the five major uses of social media for businesses, according to Jody Nimetz?

Jody Nimetz outlines five key business uses for social media: creating brand awareness, serving as an online reputation management tool, recruiting talent, learning about new technologies and competitors, and acting as a lead generation tool to capture potential prospects.

In what ways are social networks being utilized within scientific communities?

Social networks are used by scientists and biotechnology firms to share scientific knowledge, increase learning, and enhance flexibility. Researchers use them to maintain and develop professional relationships, consolidate social ties, and keep updated on colleagues' activities for potential collaborations.

Which platforms are commonly used by researchers for professional networking and knowledge dissemination?

Researchers frequently use platforms like Academia.edu, LinkedIn, ResearchGate, and Facebook to join professional groups, share papers, publicize events, and engage in discussions. These platforms facilitate the dissemination of research results and the expansion of knowledge bases.

How has the concept of 'Digital Natives' versus 'Digital Immigrants' been challenged by the rise of social networking sites?

The rise of social networking sites has challenged the dichotomy between 'Digital Natives' (those born after 1980) and 'Digital Immigrants' (those born before). The widespread adoption and use of these platforms by various age groups suggest that digital literacy and comfort with technology are not solely determined by age.

What are the potential educational benefits of using social networking services in classrooms?

Social networking services can enhance student involvement in discussions and out-of-class communication. They offer opportunities for creative, authentic, and flexible learning experiences, and can supplement traditional teaching methods by integrating learning into platforms students use daily.

What are the primary concerns regarding the use of social networking services in educational settings?

Concerns include social networking sites being viewed as distractions from schoolwork, potential for cyberbullying, invasions of privacy due to public sharing of personal information, and the risk of exposure to sexual predators or cyberstalking. Consequently, many schools block access to these sites.

What is the counter-argument to blocking social networking services in schools?

The counter-argument is that blocking these services prevents students from learning essential digital literacy skills and responsible online behavior. Educating students on safe media usage and incorporating digital media into the classroom is seen as a more effective approach to prepare them for the future.

What positive psychological outcomes have been linked to Facebook use in some research studies?

Some cyberpsychology research suggests that Facebook use can lead to positive outcomes, such as fostering a sense of social connectedness and belonging. This online social connectedness has been associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety, and greater subjective well-being.

How are activists using social networks for grassroots organizing?

Activists utilize social networks as a low-cost method for grassroots organizing. For example, the 2009 National Equality March used social networking sites to mobilize a large number of participants, achieving significant cost savings compared to traditional methods.

What role have social networks played in employment and career development?

College students increasingly use social networking services to find internships and job opportunities. Platforms like LinkedIn help individuals network professionally, connect with companies, and search for work, while employers also use these sites to screen candidates.

What is the business model typically employed by large social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace?

Many social networks, including Facebook and MySpace, primarily use online advertising as their business model. They rely on large membership counts to attract advertisers, rather than charging membership fees, which could deter user growth.

How do social networks differ from traditional business models in terms of user roles?

In contrast to traditional models where suppliers and consumers are distinct, social networks operate under an autonomous business model. Here, members serve dual roles as both suppliers and consumers of content, generating revenue typically through advertising.

What are some of the ways people use social networking sites for social interaction?

People use social networking sites to meet new friends, reconnect with old friends, or find others with similar interests or problems (niche networking). Increasingly, relationships and friendships formed online are also carried into offline settings.

What is the 'friendship paradox' in the context of social networks?

The friendship paradox suggests that, on average, your friends have more friends than you do. This concept is relevant to understanding network structures and how information or influence might spread differently among users with varying numbers of connections.

What are the primary issues associated with social networking services?

Key issues include privacy concerns, bullying, social anxiety, and the potential for misuse of the platforms. These challenges impact individual users and raise broader societal questions about online behavior and safety.

How are social networking services being utilized in legal and criminal investigations?

Information posted on sites like MySpace and Facebook is increasingly used by law enforcement, probation officers, and university officials for investigations. This content has been used as evidence in court, for forensic profiling, and to prosecute users.

What are some government applications of social networking?

Government agencies use social networking tools to gather public suggestions and provide updates on their activities. Examples include the Centers for Disease Control promoting vaccinations on Whyville and NASA utilizing platforms like Twitter and Flickr for outreach and information sharing.

How has social media influenced political campaigns, citing examples?

Social media has significantly transformed political campaigns, notably with Barack Obama's 2008 election, which heavily incorporated social networks to engage voters and volunteers. Other campaigns, like Donald Trump's in 2016, have also leveraged social media effectively to reach audiences and mobilize support.

What is the role of social networking in crowdsourcing applications?

Crowdsourcing platforms use social media to connect businesses with freelancers, such as designers, for suggestions and services. This process is often used for subdividing work, fundraising for startups, and supporting charities.

What are the largest social networking services globally, based on active users?

As of January 2024, the largest social networking services by active users include Facebook (3,049 million), YouTube (2,491 million), WhatsApp (2,000 million), Instagram (2,000 million), and TikTok (1,562 million), among others.

What are some examples of social networking services that are explicitly education-focused?

Platforms like 'English, baby!' and 'LiveMocha' are explicitly designed for education. They combine instructional content with an educational peer environment to facilitate language learning and cultural exchange.

How do social networks foster learning through a 'participatory culture'?

Social networks foster learning by creating spaces that allow for engagement, sharing, mentoring, and social interaction, as described by Henry Jenkins' concept of 'participatory culture.' This environment encourages informal learning where students can develop skills in an engaging way.

What is the primary difference between social networks and online dating services regarding cost?

A key difference is that online dating sites often require a fee for membership, whereas most popular social networking services are free to use. This cost difference has contributed to users opting for social networks for dating purposes.

Social Networking Service Wiki: The Digital Agora: Navigating the Landscape of Social Networking

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Defining Social Networking Services

Core Concept

A social networking service (SNS) or social networking site is a type of online social media platform facilitating the construction of social networks or relationships. Users connect with others who share similar personal or career interests, activities, backgrounds, or real-life connections.^[1]^[2] These platforms operate across various devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones, often incorporating features like digital photo/video sharing and online journaling (blogging).^[2]

Networked Interaction

SNSs provide a digital space for interaction that extends beyond physical limitations, enabling connections with individuals globally, contingent on internet access.^[4] They allow users to share ideas, digital media, posts, and information about activities, fostering interaction among members within their established social networks.^[3] While online communities share similarities, SNSs are typically characterized by their individual-centered approach, contrasting with group-centered community services.^[3]

Scale and Reach

The scale of these platforms is immense; for instance, Facebook reported 2.13 billion monthly active users and 1.4 billion daily active users in 2017.^[5] Services like LinkedIn focus on professional networking, often requiring existing real-life connections, while others like Twitter allow for broader, more asymmetric connections.^[20] The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the integral role of platforms like Zoom for global connectivity in various sectors.^[53]

Evolution of Social Networking

Early Foundations

The concept of computer networking facilitating social interaction emerged early, with precursors found in Usenet, ARPANET, LISTSERV, and various bulletin board services (BBS).^[30]^[31]^[32] Early World Wide Web communities like Theglobe.com (1995), Geocities (1994), and Tripod.com (1995) fostered user interaction through personal web pages and chat rooms.^[33]

Emergence of Profiles and Connections

The late 1990s saw user profiles become central, enabling users to articulate lists of connections ("friends") and search for others with similar interests. Sites like SixDegrees (1997), Open Diary (1998), and Friendster (2003) pioneered these features.^[34]^[36]^[41] MySpace and LinkedIn launched in 2003, with Facebook emerging in 2004 and rapidly becoming the dominant platform.^[45]^[46]

Global Growth and Trends

India experienced the largest growth in social media users in 2013.^[7] By 2013, 73% of U.S. adults used social networking sites.^[8] Emerging trends include the "real-time web" and "location-based" services, exemplified by Twitter's broadcasting model and Facebook's Live Feed.^[78]^[79]

Classifying Social Networks

Socialization Focus

These services are primarily used for socializing with existing friends or users. Examples include platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X, which facilitate broad social interaction and content sharing.^[6]

Professional Networking

Designed for non-social, interpersonal communication, these sites focus on career and employment. LinkedIn is a prime example, connecting professionals for business opportunities and career development.^[6]

Information Discovery

These platforms assist users in finding specific information or resources. Examples include Goodreads for books and Reddit for various community discussions and information aggregation.^[6]

Key Features of SNS

User Profiles

A fundamental feature, allowing users to construct public or semi-public profiles. These are typically generated from personal information such as age, location, and interests, often enhanced with photos, multimedia, and customizable elements.^[2]

Articulating Connections

Users can create and view lists of other users with whom they share a connection. This feature is central to building and navigating social networks within the platform.^[2]

Interaction and Communication

Beyond profiles and connections, SNS facilitate various forms of interaction, including posting blog entries, sharing content, commenting on others' posts, and private messaging. Privacy controls are typically integrated to manage visibility and contact.^[2]^{[citation needed]}

Additional Functionality

Emerging trends include interoperability through technologies like OpenID and OpenSocial. Mobile communities allow profile creation, chat, photo/video sharing, and blogging via mobile devices. Some platforms also integrate features like fact-checking labels to combat misinformation.^[76]

Societal and Psychological Impact

Bridging Divides

Web-based SNS enable connections across political, economic, and geographic borders, fostering online communities where cooperation and reciprocal altruism are encouraged.^[49] Information shared within these digital spaces functions as a nonrival good, easily gifted at minimal cost.^[50]

Psychological Effects

Research indicates mixed results regarding loneliness. While some studies suggest SNS can foster social connectedness, reducing depression and anxiety, excessive use may correlate with increased depression.^[121]^[69] Social comparison, where users portray idealized lives, can lead to feelings of inferiority.^[71]^[72]

News Consumption

A significant portion of users, particularly younger demographics, rely on SNS as a primary news source. However, opinions on the reliability of content vary, partly due to the absence of traditional media gatekeepers.^[57]^[61]

Consumer Behavior

Social networking significantly influences purchase decisions, especially among younger adults who are more likely to be swayed by online recommendations and peer influence compared to older demographics who rely more on word-of-mouth.^[62]

Challenges and Concerns

Privacy and Security

SNS raise significant privacy concerns, including the potential for misuse of personal information, identity theft, and exposure to cyberstalking. Schools often implement strict policies, including blocking access to SNS, to protect students.^[118]

Cyberbullying and Abuse

The digital environment can foster abusive communication, including cyberbullying and online trolling. Anonymity and attention-seeking behaviors can contribute to this, with studies indicating a notable percentage of online messages containing abusive content.^[73]^[75]

Educational Constraints

Historically, SNS were often viewed as distractions in educational settings, leading to bans. However, a shift is occurring as educators recognize their potential for enhancing learning, collaboration, and digital literacy, advocating for education on safe usage rather than outright prohibition.^[112]^[119]

SNS in Investigations

Law Enforcement Use

Information posted on platforms like Facebook and MySpace is increasingly utilized in legal and criminal investigations. Police, probation officers, and university officials use this data for forensic profiling and prosecuting users.^[132]

Educational Context

School administrations and law enforcement agencies leverage SNS content as evidence against student users. Campus police and resident assistants may monitor profiles for disciplinary or legal purposes.^[133]

Diverse Application Domains

Government and Civic Engagement

Governments use SNS for public communication, suggestion gathering, and disseminating information. While beneficial for transparency, they also pose risks for cultivating fear or enabling repression of dissent.^[153] SNS played a notable role in political campaigns, notably Obama's 2008 election, demonstrating their power in mobilizing voters and engaging youth.^[155]

Business and Commerce

Businesses leverage SNS for brand awareness, reputation management, recruiting, market research, and lead generation. Enterprise social software facilitates internal collaboration, file sharing, and knowledge transfer.^[83]^[138]

Dating and Relationships

Many SNS provide environments for users to connect for dating purposes, ranging from casual encounters to long-term relationships. While distinct from dedicated dating sites, they offer similar profile-based matching mechanisms, often at no cost.^[139]^[142]

Education and Learning

SNS are increasingly integrated into educational contexts for resource sharing, discussion facilitation, and enhancing student engagement. Platforms like HASTAC and Ning support collaborative learning and professional development for educators.^[107]

Finance and Economy

Virtual currency systems within SNS, like Hub Culture's Ven, enable global financial transactions, commodity trading, and carbon credit exchanges, linking economic activity to environmental factors.^[144]

Health and Well-being

Dedicated platforms like HealthUnlocked and PatientsLikeMe connect individuals facing health challenges, fostering peer support. Others focus on exercise and healthy lifestyles, promoting community engagement around wellness goals.^[149]

Open Source Initiatives

Developing Free Software

Numerous projects are dedicated to developing free and open-source software (FOSS) for social networking services. These initiatives, often termed "social engines," aim to provide alternatives to proprietary platforms, promoting user control and community-driven development.^{[citation needed]}

Prominent Social Networking Services

User Statistics

As of January 2024, the landscape of social networking is dominated by several key platforms, with user numbers indicating significant global reach. Statista data highlights the scale of these services:

Largest Social Networking Services by Active Users (Millions) - Jan 2024
Service	Active Users (Millions)
Facebook	3,049
YouTube	2,491
WhatsApp*	2,000
Instagram	2,000
TikTok	1,562
WeChat	1,336
Facebook Messenger	979
Telegram	800
Douyin**	752
Snapchat	750
Kuaishou	685
X (Twitter)	619
Sina Weibo	605
QQ	558
Pinterest	482

*Platforms have not published updated user figures in the past 12 months; figures may be out of date and less reliable.
**Figure uses daily active users; monthly active user number is likely higher.

Further Exploration

Related Concepts

The study of social networking services intersects with numerous related fields and concepts, offering avenues for deeper academic inquiry:

Distributed social networks
Enterprise social software
Geosocial networking
Internet forums and communities
Social media and digital communication
Social capital and identity formation
Virtual communities and online interaction
Comparison of social platforms and protocols

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References

Romm-Livermore, C. & Setzekorn, K. (2008). Social Networking Communities and E-Dating Services: Concepts and Implications. IGI Global. p.271

13 Awesome Professional Networking Alternatives to LinkedIn

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Comprehensive listing of medical applications using social networking via Dose of Digital

A full list of references for this article are available at the Social networking service Wikipedia page

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The Digital Agora

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Defining Social Networking Services ℹ️

👥 Core Concept

🔗 Networked Interaction

📈 Scale and Reach

Evolution of Social Networking 🕰️

📜 Early Foundations

🚀 Emergence of Profiles and Connections

🌐 Global Growth and Trends

Classifying Social Networks 🗂️

💬 Socialization Focus

💼 Professional Networking

🔍 Information Discovery

Key Features of SNS ⚙️

👤 User Profiles

🤝 Articulating Connections

💬 Interaction and Communication

💡 Additional Functionality

Societal and Psychological Impact 📊

🌍 Bridging Divides

🧠 Psychological Effects

📰 News Consumption

🛍️ Consumer Behavior

Challenges and Concerns ⚠️

🔒 Privacy and Security

😠 Cyberbullying and Abuse

⚖️ Educational Constraints

SNS in Investigations 🔍

🚓 Law Enforcement Use

🏫 Educational Context

Diverse Application Domains 🏢

🏛️ Government and Civic Engagement

💼 Business and Commerce

❤️ Dating and Relationships

🎓 Education and Learning

💰 Finance and Economy

🧑‍⚕️ Health and Well-being

Open Source Initiatives 💻

🛠️ Developing Free Software

Prominent Social Networking Services 🏆

📊 User Statistics

Further Exploration 🔗

📚 Related Concepts

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Defining Social Networking Services

Core Concept

Networked Interaction

Scale and Reach

Evolution of Social Networking

Early Foundations

Emergence of Profiles and Connections

Global Growth and Trends

Classifying Social Networks

Socialization Focus

Professional Networking

Information Discovery

Key Features of SNS

User Profiles

Articulating Connections

Interaction and Communication

Additional Functionality

Societal and Psychological Impact

Bridging Divides

Psychological Effects

News Consumption

Consumer Behavior

Challenges and Concerns

Privacy and Security

Cyberbullying and Abuse

Educational Constraints

SNS in Investigations

Law Enforcement Use

Educational Context

Diverse Application Domains

Government and Civic Engagement

Business and Commerce

Dating and Relationships

Education and Learning

Finance and Economy

Health and Well-being

Open Source Initiatives

Developing Free Software

Prominent Social Networking Services

User Statistics

Further Exploration

Related Concepts

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice