Social Networking

Abstract

Social networking sites (SNS) are websites on which members (users) create personal profiles and interact with others. Most profiles include a photo of the person in addition to some personal information — people include more or less profile data as they choose. Some SNS require a confirmation from a person identified as a friend or contact (Facebook), while others allow users to see or follow someone without getting consent (Twitter). Sites typically allow users to post public comments that can be seen by anyone visiting them, and/or to send private messages that can only be viewed by the recipient. Some sites allow users to create a name that may or may not correspond to their offline name (Twitter), while others require users to use their actual name as it appears on official documents (Facebook). Users of the latter often find ways to circumvent such requirements when they believe their safety or reputations might be compromised by using their real names. Both Twitter and Facebook are available as mobile applications, or “apps”, for smart phones, so that users can access and interact with the site without being tethered to their computers. Accessibility and portability enhance their appeal.