What is social networking?

Social networking is intent on building communities on the internet. Just like any club it focuses on introducing people to one another who share a mutual interest, hobby or work in a similar industry etc. As most of these operate on the internet, the communication is usually via email, instant messenger services, profiles, internal email systems and photos. Instead of talking, it is ‘posting’ or uploading visual media.These sites are being used regularly by millions of people and have become a part of modern life.

The most widely used sites in Europe and UK are Bebo, Facebook, Myspace though different sites are evolving almost on a daily basis as the popularity of this form of communication grows. For a fuller list of social networking sites to deal with a cyberbullying issue

There are certain rules of etiquette, or “netiquette” but often these are blatantly ignored, as when cyber bullying arises. The internet sadly serves as a magnet for bullies and stalkers. This unpleasant behaviour can take a variety of forms, from generally unpleasant remarks posted anonymously to wilful harm, which has been considered responsible for a number of suicides of young people. It is also a draw for sexual predators and paedophiles.

Social networking is a fairly recent phenomenon and only started ‘taking off’ in 2005. Now every corporate public relations portfolio contains some form of social networking campaign. i.e. the Pope now has a channel on You Tube.