The Cultural Impact Of Social Networking
Social networking websites have become a global phenomenon.
Wikipedia says there are almost 2 billion members of these sites worldwide.
And now that these mediums have entered the mobile scene, more growth is expected.
In Egypt, almost a million people registered on Facebook within a period of three years.
In Africa, there are 1.
1 million Facebook users.
What more could be said about the United States and the UK.
Many people are concerned about how these sites have depersonalized our culture, but people who actually immerse themselves into social networking and the subsequent technologies that it has given rise to can say that although this does not substitute for real face-to-face contact, it does make staying in touch easy, with no need to wait for a convenient time or to pass through geographic barriers.
The Internet, through these sites, has made a global village out of the entire world.
And like in a village where everyone is interconnected, people are encouraged to share thoughts, news, and emotions, and to know what other members of the village has to share.
Aside from that, the social web has become a powerful medium.
In one way or another, the Internet and social networking have played a role in environmental advocacies, peace movements, and other causes.
This medium has also made it easier to form groups where people can find others with interests similar to theirs.
Social networking has provided plenty of ways for people to interact, communicate, connect, and be closer.
So it is not true that this has depersonalized our culture.
In fact, although it looks cold and inhuman at first glance, there is a very human side to the Internet that takes a lot of meaningful connections and experiences for one to realize.
It does work both ways, though.
The Internet is great for connecting with people on the other side of the globe, and for constantly communicating with people we don't usually get to talk to.
Unfortunately, it has engrossed us so much that even people we can easily see in person also become online contacts.
In this way, social networking does depersonalize personal relationships.
Despite the confusion as to the cultural impact of social networking, there's no denying the fact that we now live in the world of social media where we can use it to bring people closer or to distance them.
The Internet is complex, capable, and interesting.
It's a powerful communications method, when used correctly.
Wikipedia says there are almost 2 billion members of these sites worldwide.
And now that these mediums have entered the mobile scene, more growth is expected.
In Egypt, almost a million people registered on Facebook within a period of three years.
In Africa, there are 1.
1 million Facebook users.
What more could be said about the United States and the UK.
Many people are concerned about how these sites have depersonalized our culture, but people who actually immerse themselves into social networking and the subsequent technologies that it has given rise to can say that although this does not substitute for real face-to-face contact, it does make staying in touch easy, with no need to wait for a convenient time or to pass through geographic barriers.
The Internet, through these sites, has made a global village out of the entire world.
And like in a village where everyone is interconnected, people are encouraged to share thoughts, news, and emotions, and to know what other members of the village has to share.
Aside from that, the social web has become a powerful medium.
In one way or another, the Internet and social networking have played a role in environmental advocacies, peace movements, and other causes.
This medium has also made it easier to form groups where people can find others with interests similar to theirs.
Social networking has provided plenty of ways for people to interact, communicate, connect, and be closer.
So it is not true that this has depersonalized our culture.
In fact, although it looks cold and inhuman at first glance, there is a very human side to the Internet that takes a lot of meaningful connections and experiences for one to realize.
It does work both ways, though.
The Internet is great for connecting with people on the other side of the globe, and for constantly communicating with people we don't usually get to talk to.
Unfortunately, it has engrossed us so much that even people we can easily see in person also become online contacts.
In this way, social networking does depersonalize personal relationships.
Despite the confusion as to the cultural impact of social networking, there's no denying the fact that we now live in the world of social media where we can use it to bring people closer or to distance them.
The Internet is complex, capable, and interesting.
It's a powerful communications method, when used correctly.
