From cave drawings to e-mail messages, human communication has been an evolutionary process. Being deeply social creatures renders communication inevitable for us, human beings. We desire to interact, communicate, live and work with others whom we know and who know us. It Is therefore of little surprise that an information and communications network like the internet is littered with hundreds of social Networking websites. Be it Orkut, FaceBook, MySpace or ApnaSpace or any other social networking website, the popularity of social networking sites has skyrocketed in recent years.
In a way it is a micro-phenomenon of a much larger macro-trend that the internet has spawned since its birth, that is, a means of communication and digital self-expression. Although there is some debate as to an actual definition, social networking basically refers to an online community where one connects and Communicates with others on the internet.
Generally speaking, an online social networking service involves a highly interactive service, based on common interests between users and easy to use communications tools to detail and promote those interests to others. They then invite their friends and colleagues to join and encourage them to also invite people they know who have similar interests. Introductions are then made between these people that have been invited throughout the various tiers of the process. Although the actual format may vary from website to website,
Communication is accomplished using a variety of methods, such as forums, instant messaging, e-mail, blogs, video or chat rooms. But wait a minute! Most internet user can and were using all these online communication tools social networking gained what is it that makes social websites so special??
These websites allow users to keep in touch with old friends or establish new friendships. They enable users to connect with others worldwide from the privacy of ones home; it is usually free and is instantaneous. Social networking sites can also be an outlet for creativity and self-expression where you can instantly share music, videos, photographs or your deepest, darkest thoughts and secrets with one person or with many. For those who are shy or awkward in “real life”,