Online Social Networks

Real People in Virtual World

A group of people that communicate in virtual surrounding could be named as an online community. These persons choose the reasons for communication (topics), use computer technology and respect some written or alluded conditions of behaviour. In the last decade, or even more, whole generation of Internet users is trying to take advantage of this kind of social networking throught different online communities. Of course, many people find themseleves offended by even mentioning the fact they create their social life through the Web but statistics show it is evidently high number of users interested in chat rooms and similar tools


By MARKO ANDREJIC
from Belgrade, SERBIA


The whole world is a globall village, so many times you heard. Maybe it sounds better: the whole world is a global network. Or even better global online social network. According to the research in February 2001 (Pew Internet & American Life Project) about 84% of Internet users in U.S.A. are involved in different online discussion groups. Regarding to the report of ACNielsen company in September 2004, 39% of all Americans consider themselves a member of some Internet community.

A group of people that communicate in virtual surrounding (on the Web) could be named as an online community. These persons choose the reasons for communication (topics), use computer technology and respect some written or alluded rules and conditions of behaviour. There are lots of advantages of this kind of communication: finding new information from all over the world, studying, long-distance learning, meeting old and new friends sharing the same hobbies and interests. Of course, there are disadvantages too, even some dangerous situations: you are sending many personal information that could be abused, you can be the target for hackers or spam, also some people could present the false names and personalities. And definitely takes time.

Realtime conversation or discussion group

Different types of interaction are present in online communities: realtime communication or online conversation well-known as chat or IRC - ICQ, Messenger, Skype. Adjourned communication or online discussion, usually in the form of Forum or discussion groups. There are special websites only for this kind of communication (elitesecurity.org). Also mailinglists could be very useful. The main characteristic of this way of communicating is long-term interaction among people during weeks or months, based on one or more topics of discussion.

After development of online communities from ARPANet in 1968, then BBS Services, usenet newsgroups, IRC and Wiki concept till today very popular Blogs, since 2002 online social networking started becoming popular and many websites for that purpose were created: Friendster, Facebook, MySpace, Tagged, LinkedIn...

Facebook is a social utility that connects people with friends and others who work, study and live around them. People use it to keep up with friends, upload an unlimited number of photos, share links and videos, and learn more about the people they meet. All that's needed to join Facebook is a valid email address. To connect with coworkers or classmates, use your school or work email address to register. Once you register, join a regional network to connect with the people in your area.

Social utilities as a good bussines

MySpace is also one of the online communities that lets you meet your friends' friends. Create a private community on MySpace and you can share photos, journals and interests with your growing network of mutual friends! See who knows who, or how you are connected and find out if you really are six people away from celebrities.

ICQ was established in June 1996 under the name Mirabilis. The founders were four young avid-computer users in their twenties realized that people were connected to the Internet, but not interconnected. Instant messaging was the missing link, a technology that made peer-to-peer communication possible. The following year the young company took the internet by storm.

LinkedIn is an online network of more than 12 million experienced professionals from around the world, representing 150 industries. And with more than 47 million members worldwide, Friendster is one of leading global online social networks. Friendster is focused on helping people stay in touch with friends and discover new people and things that are important to them.

In the last decade, or even more, whole generation of Internet users is trying to take advantage of this kind of social networking through different online communities. Of course, many people find themselves offended by even mentioning the fact they create their social life through the Web but statistics show it is evidently high number of users interested in chat rooms and similar tools. But we should all accept the fact that we spend more and more time online trying to find an information by talking to other "virtual" people, learn something new in online communities but also just have some fun and meet new people to share the same interests. So, if you take a look at your timer often enough so you don't miss the last bus and your girl/boyfriend didn't kick you out because you just started very important and funny online discussion instead going out for a dinner, you can be happy to say that you are just trying to catch all the best offered in global network!