I was listening to a friend talk a week ago about how much he hated online social networking. I asked if he wouldn’t mind writing down his thoughts so that I could publish them here. He gladly obliged, and so here they are for you to read. Feel free to openly agree or disagree, I look forward to the discussion that follows.
It used to be that the term “social networking” was defined as the activity of social interaction in a personal and intimate setting. Social networking played a big part one getting where they wanted to go, and getting what they wanted to get. Social networking was a valuable time where people interacted and got to know each other on a more personal level.
Social Networking has a new face now. Say social networking in public and 9.9 out of 10 people’s minds will immediately shoot off in the direction of the internet and popular sites like MySpace, FaceBook, bebo, Hi5 – the list really is endless. Due to these new trends and fads, social networking has turned into an informal and sloppy system of constant communication. Intimate and personal interaction has been traded for whole lives being exposed online. Rather than using social networking as a way to promote oneself, we have all seen the stories of how “social networking” has ruined people’s reputations and lives. Personal meetings have been traded for (semi)transparent lives open and ready to be stalked by whoever might send the next friends request. As an aside – I may be making this to sound completely dismal, because it is – yet things of this nature are becoming necessary. These networks have become so integrated into society that it is actually possible to miss out on events and interactions if not connected (which in many less words means that I have a profile at a few of the aforementioned websites…)
Despite this rather dismal rant, redemption is near. As the major social networking websites user registration begins to level people will realize the need for a refined place of gathering online. Hence, we shall see the rise of niche social networks. The niche network rise to power has already begun with concepts such as ning. In addition to ning.com there are also social networks for techies, artists, kids, etc… Niche networking is the savior of social networking. Niche networks will allow the user to return the roots of social networking for a purpose. The networks will once again be smaller, and more focused – fostering personal and intimate interaction with all parties involved. With the advent of niche networks, the inter-web and world as a whole can expect better collaboration, resulting in the reality of things that were once dreams.
Meh. Just a few thoughts really. I much prefer to do some old fashioned face to face social networking over a milkshake. Just let me know when you are free and we’ll shoot out to the nearest diner for one.
Once again, thanks to Z. Grant for letting us all read your thoughts.
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