The definition of “Network” is an interconnected or interrelated chain, group, or system. Groups relied on letters and by word to learn about events and other important information in the past. A disadvantage of that method was the time constraints, especially if the person lived not only in another state but in another country. Now, networking sites allow users for immediate alerts and responses.
Advantages of Social Networking Sites
- Companies have another creative way to sell their products using these networking sites. Flash advertisements grab the attention of users while they are browsing the Internet.
- Newscasters are now able to keep the public aware of recent events and yet have storage for past events in electronic archives.
- People who have never met are able to share experiences and create relationships/friendships that may have never existed without networking.
- Users who have past experience in medical, education and even financing, can share advice with people who have questions on forums
- Instead of using letters which would take days of waiting, people can receive emails with attachments such as pictures and videos in a matter of minutes.
- Using a blogging site for those who travel or for those who would just like to record a situation is great because he/she can give the link to his/her relatives and/or friends so that they can also keep track.
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Disadvantages of Social Networking Sites (if used incorrectly)
- Posting private information puts a user at risk of having his/her identity stolen (at the least).
- Sexual offenders and stalkers could easily search your name and find enough information to put you in danger.
- Companies are able to look at a user’s profile and if they can decide whether to hire a person based on what they saw on the profile.
- False advertisements may end up uploading viruses and spyware on a user’s computer.
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