Blog Social Networking

Social Networking has had and continues to have a very important role in our society. It is the use of internet-based social media sites that allow for one to stay connected with friends, families, customers, clients, etc., from anywhere. It benefits society in many ways, whether it be for entertainment purposes or business related, the concept of social networking is one that provides exposure and recognition. However, at times the publicity or acknowledgement from social networking could be non beneficial due to misrepresented information or lack of privacy.

            In the article, “Social Networking Technology Boosts Job Recruiting,” by Frank Langfitt, the popular media site, LinkedIn is represented as a key benefit of social networking. Langfitt states that, Maureen Crawford-Hentz who recruits for Osram Sylvania, the global lighting company said LinkedIn changed her life. Crawford-Hentz could now “scrape the entire network to dig out high-quality candidates that’s she can’t find elsewhere.” This demonstrates how important and impactful social networking has been and how far it could reach. Crawford-Hentz, along with others could now find individuals with specific traits more efficiently, making theirs and those chosen’s lives a lot easier and more profitable.   

            Even though, there are clear benefits towards social networking, there are also “dark sides to it as well.” One example of a con is represented in the article, “Facebook Privacy Is So Confusing Even the Zuckerberg Family Photo Isn’t Private,” by Rebecca Greenfield. In this article Mark Zuckerberg’s sister, Randi, demonstrates clear confusion/worry over how a family photo posted on her friends only page on Facebook would be reposted on Twitter. According to Greenfield, Schweitzer who was not friends with Zuckerberg and just subscribes to her public post just saw the photo on top of her newsfeed, thinking it was public. Turns out that on Facebook even if the “friends only” option is selected, friends of your friends could view a photo they were tagged in. In this case Schweitzer was friends with Zuckerberg’s sister and was able to see it. In order to change it one would need to go into the settings and select a different option. This example is alarming because it demonstrates all the loopholes in what a social media site could do with one’s photos or information. This type of social networking could be worrisome to many who really value their privacy and only want a select few to know what’s going on in their lives.

            In social networking there are both positives and negatives that affect people every day. For some the positives of getting their name out there and seeking business or amusement opportunities out ways the negatives. However, there are those who want their privacy and are afraid. The development of social networking will always be improving and evolving, becoming more secure as time goes on. This is due to the fact that more people are becoming aware of how their information is being used and are asking for regulation and security.

References:

1. "Social Networking Technology Boosts JobRecruiting," by Frank Langfitt

2. “Facebook Privacy Is So Confusing Even the Zuckerberg Family Photo Isn’t Private,” by Rebecca Greenfield.