When the Web’s first social network site was founded in 1994, no one expected the internet world would one day evolve and become what it is today, the largest virtual community where people can share information and ideas.
This new cyber planet is a phenomenal tool enabling people all around the globe to connect in a matter of seconds and interact by just a few keystrokes. This evolution of course has not been a smooth ride and it has had its setbacks and controversies.
Brief History of Social Networking
Initially, when the Web was designed, the general theory was for users, predominantly businesses, to create their own websites. Then, in 1997, AOL was introduced to the public as a tool to intermingle instantaneously, and therefore instant messaging became popular, especially among the younger generation.
But, the challenge of inventing more enhanced internet features did not stop here for Web designers. In 2003, MySpace became the next “Big Thing”. Everyone talked about how fascinating and easy it was to get connected and share information, interests and activities with one another through MySpace.
Afterward, in 2004, 20-year old Mark Zuckerberg, a Harvard student, launched Facebook which in 2008 surpassed MySpace. Mark’s idea of creating Facebook was to give college students a tool to connect, share ideas and information, and stay in touch with one another. Then the idea expanded and became global.
Today Facebook is “the third largest country on earth and surely has more information about its citizens than any government does”, according to Time Magazine (December 2010 – January 2011). Today Facebook has more than 500 million active users. The Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook pages have more information.
Advantages and Dangers of Social Networking
Just like everything else in life social networking has its advantages and disadvantages, as well as benefits and dangers. Through social networking, exchanging information has become easy and convenient for both personal and business purposes. We can explore the internet in search of information about education, jobs, schools, news, entertainment, shopping and many more fields. We can find new interests and hobbies.
Online media has evolved tremendously allowing people to communicate through Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other connection tools such as Skype and Webcam. In the recent years we have even witnessed revolutionary changes in many countries, especially in the Middle East, thanks to the internet.
On the other hand, the internet can be a dangerous tool if not used safely and cautiously, and unfortunately the danger is largely directed to the younger generation especially teenagers. A considerable number of youngsters now face cyber-bullying, internet threats, and child pornography. Statistics reveal that 72% of teenagers make their personal information available and viewable online without adult supervision. Statistics also show that 40% of teens believe that it is difficult for predators to identify them.
Internet Safety Tips
The Internet should be a protected and safe site for all ages, races and genders. You can find several Internet safety tips available for everyone to read and abide by. Social Networking sites should benefit everyone in every aspect. Through this unique instrument you should be able to explore opportunities to improve every aspect of your life. So educate yourself and your children about internet safety, how to be a smart net surfer and how to protect your privacy .
Rima Petrossian - Rima is a devoted mother of two and has a full time job as a legal assistant for a defense workers compensation firm. She has a passion in ...
Join the Conversation