What is Social Networking?

We often encounter the term social networking but not all of us really know its exact meaning. Everyday, we are surrounded by people at work, in school, in church, in the community and in the many places we go to. We interact with these people as dictated by our human nature. Modern technology further enhances social relationships as social networking can now occur online.

Social networking refers to the grouping of diverse individuals into specific groups like a community. It commonly occurs when people build personal relationships, spend time or participate in common activities with other individuals. Social networking also happens even without physical interaction. For example, friendships and various relationships may start on the internet.

Social networking online is facilitated by social networking websites. Members of these websites are different people who have the same inclinations and interests. For instance, a specific website provides services and facilitates communication between people who have the same hobbies. Through the website, members become friends, learn and share techniques, are updated with workshops and seminars, and provided with a complete list of reliable suppliers.

To be a member of a social networking website, you must first register. This is done by filling up a registration form. You may need to write personal information that is required by the website. As soon as you are given access, you can begin socializing. You can view profiles of other members, write them messages or joint the website’s live chartroom. Through time, your network of friends will expand as your friends will introduce you to other community members they know. Social networking has no limits and boundaries. Even if you are in a different country, you can have friends who live miles away from you. You will be exposed to different cultures and beliefs. On the same thought, you would also appreciate your individuality and the many things you could also share and offer.

Social networking websites may either be traditional or exclusive. The former have open memberships. This means all people can join. The more exclusive types have certain criteria with regards to its membership approval.

If this type of social networking appeals to your interest and lifestyle, you can check out the following websites: MySpace, FriendFinder, Friendwise, Yahoo! 360, Orkut, Facebook, and Classmates. These are very popular among internet users because they already have an established community of members. When you view these or other websites, you should also evaluate the quality of service they provide. And similar to forming social networks in your immediate environment, doing it online requires responsibility and vigilance. Be aware of the dangers of online predators who assume different identities just to lure other people and take advantage of them.

Social Networking : an acausal connecting principle

An acausal principle. Jung said this about "synchronicity", years ago, in a book, tempted to penetrate the mysterious ways of...things unexplicated.

Social networking shows very high intellectual levels - or not

Should you ever wonder what the intellectual capacity of social networking contributors and participants would be, then consider this. A picture of an anteater garnered 2 345 diggs, or votes, and 172 comments, within a matter of 23 hrs and 24 minutes.

The Social Networker : never alone anymore ?

It's written in the books : we won't be alone anymore because of "social networking".

Hands on with Brightkite: real-world social networking

Twitter's ease of use and plethora of third-party visualization tools are great for crowdsourcing any number of things, but a new service may actually bring social networking into the real world.

Social Media : the next kick in the ass of SEO fields

We can't still figure out how our uses has changed. Even our old inhabits must get new skin, in daily reflexes. For long times, Search engines and portals gave the tune, and made the market's raise.