Blog Social networking

In 2020 the world seems much smaller than it did a decade ago. Spending a plane ticket or getting charged for international calls just to contact your distant relative suddenly seems utterly preposterous now. Social networking has single-handedly shrunk our world. Because of platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snap chat, the rest of the world is all in our backyard. These platforms, social networking, not only connects people to each other, but to worldwide news, ideas, and movements. Starting with the connection of people, there were times where distance mattered. Prior to the emergence of social networking, location was a huge bottle-neck to communication. Because of social networking, location seems to be more of a concept than an actual measurable factor. Even reaching great multitudes of people has become a great use for social media. Consider two examples, first how social networking boosts job recruiting. In an article written by Frank Langfitt, Langfitt addresses the practice of using social networking to attract and reach a wider audience of job candidates. Quoting a recruiter, he writes, “social networking technology is absolutely the best thing to happen to recruiting – ever (Langfitt, 2006).” One of the networks mentioned within the article is Linkedin, a network of 8 million professionals spread across the world. Linkedin is used by executives from all the Fortune 500 companies. Typing keywords into a search engine, recruiters can filter the entire network to dig out high-quality candidates that may not be found elsewhere. This is a prime example of the benefits of social networking, being able to connect with people that may seem impossible to connect with in real life. Social networking can also connect ideas, as evident in the presidential election of 2008. By bolting together social networking applications under the banner of a movement, in 2008 the Obama administration created an unforeseen force to raise money, organize locally, fight smear campaigns and get out the vote that helped them topple the Clinton, then John McCain and the Republicans (Carr, 2008). From connecting people to ideas, social networking has emergence as the standard way to connect, raise awareness, and to learn.

            However, nothing is perfect. Social networking also has its dark aspects. For example, when was social not attached to real life? To be sociable involved contact, real life contact. Sadly, social networking has partially eradicated the need for real life interactions. This can have an adverse effect for future generations. Although social networking got you the interview, how well will you perform on this interview? Real-life social interactions can never be replaced and will always be a huge asset to the development of a person, even in a business context. Personally, I have no social networking platforms that I use seriously. This was a decision I made in high school to help me focus more on life and the real things surrounding me, and to get an early start in the day. Since than I have not looked back. Sure, I do get curious as to what exactly I am missing, but nothing beats having free time and not being consumed by social networking.

 

Carr, D. (2008, November 9). How Obama Tapped Into Social Networks’ Power. Retrieved from nytimes: https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/10/business/media/10carr.html

Langfitt, M. (2006, november 22). Social Networking Technology Boosts Job Recruiting. Retrieved from NPR: https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6522523&sc=emaf?storyId=6522523&sc=emaf