Socializing on Social Sites :P

So what is this hype all about. The web says "Social networking is the grouping of individuals into specific groups, like small rural communities or a neighborhood subdivision, if you will." When it comes to online social networking, websites are commonly used and they are called Social Sites. Very common ones are Facebook, Orkut, and Twitter. These social sites not only help people to connect with old childhood friends but also pave way to create bonds with strangers on the other side of the world just because they share the same interests.

So how does one socialize through websites? Once a person creates an account with these social sites, they have a personal profile page. This is like an informal resume where they write about themselves, their hobbies, etc. and upload a picture as well. People across the world check out these profile pages and become friends. As simple as that!!!

What could possibly be the advantages of spending time in these social sites. The first thing that comes to my mind is 'staying in touch'. In an extremely busy millenium like the one in which we are dwelling, staying in touch has become a big time problem. Very easily we are carried away by work and we forget our friends and relatives. Through these social sites we are able to get in touch with those lost identities, share memories of togetherness and become a part of each others' lives once again. It is an easy tool to share ideas, and quickly get information about anything. Sheltered individuals may not understand how many different points of view that people have, and that it's possible for people to hold drastically different beliefs. Social networking helps you learn about diversity and get exposure to multiple points of view.

Everything has two sides and definitely this technology also has its downside. The disadvantageous aspects of social networking are Scams and Harassment. There is a potential for failure of security in both personal and business context. While many sites apply certain measures to keep any of these cases of harassment, cyber-stalking, online scams, and identity theft to an absolute minimum, you still may never know.

Social sites are increasingly prevelant and growing tools with both pros and cons. It depends upon the individual to be within limits and use it safely :)