Social Networking

warning: call_user_func_array() [function.call-user-func-array]: First argument is expected to be a valid callback, 'uc_product_edit_access' was given in /home/brooks/public_html/includes/menu.inc on line 452.
warning: call_user_func_array() [function.call-user-func-array]: First argument is expected to be a valid callback, '_stormtask_tasks_access' was given in /home/brooks/public_html/includes/menu.inc on line 452.
warning: call_user_func_array() [function.call-user-func-array]: First argument is expected to be a valid callback, 'uc_product_feature_access' was given in /home/brooks/public_html/includes/menu.inc on line 452.

Don't know what social networking is? More than half of adults worldwide don't either*. Social networking can be a hard concept to grasp because it brings together countless elements - all of which continuously evolve with new technology and innovation.

The best way to understand the phenomenon is to distill it to a bare bones concept about the way people interact online. You can think about social networking the same way you think about basic chemistry. Individual molecules with unique characteristics and tendencies bond with other molecules to become part of a larger structure. Individuals use the online medium to connect with others in a similar fashion - except unlike chemistry, the rules of attraction are always changing.

Social networks are built on the premise of a common bond between its members. This bond can be a variety of things - a like or dislike, a hobby or profession or even a common goal. Social networking is almost always associated with the Internet because the online sphere is inherently global, linking individuals not otherwise able to interact through more traditional channels.

Though complex and dynamic, social networking boils down to the fact that most humans are naturally social and innovative, constantly exploring new ways to create connections with others in the digital world.

*Synovate, September 2008