First there was MySpace, and then came Facebook. Today, people also have social networking websites such as Twitter and Tumblr. As the world of technology changes, so does the way we communicate with each other.
Social networking websites have been in existence since the mid-1990’s. Classmates.com was launched in 1995 solely as a way for old classmates to reconnect with each other and stay in touch. Today, people can stay in touch with as many people as they want using almost every modern social networking site available.
Social networking sites were first meant as a tool for teenagers and young adults to socialize, but they have slowly crept into the workforce and academics. People in business use networking sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn to stay in touch with clients. Facebook provides more personalized communication while LinkedIn is strictly professional. Companies also utilize blogs and Twitter to advertise their products.
Open Diary was the first online blogging community, and it was among the many stepping stones and blueprints for modern day social media. Today, there are so many blogging websites for people to choose from such as LiveJournal and Blogster. Both sites serve the same purpose, but each one has its own features which set it apart from the rest.
Sharing photos with others no longer has to be done through email or other “old fashioned” methods. Now, people have popular sites such as Flickr and DailyBooth which provide a means of sharing photos with a larger audience. These websites provide society with the convenience we have come to rely on and expect.
Colleges now use these tools as a method to connect with prospective, as well as current students. The University’s “Class of 2015 Group” is one of the many groups available on Facebook for Monmouth students looking for a way to connect with their school more easily, or to connect with other students they ordinarily wouldn’t talk to.
Student activities, as well as important bulletins are posted on these Facebook group pages to alert the student body of what is taking place on campus.
Social media has even made its way into our classrooms. Some professors have required their classes to “Like” the class’s page on Facebook, and some students have been required to create a “Wiki”.
The University’s eCampus and WebAdvisor are examples of how internet usage and reliance has made its way into our classrooms. Professors no longer want papers to be submitted in person. These days, everything is done through a dropbox. Anything a student may want to know about grades, financial aid, class selection, and semester schedules can be found on WebAdvisor. If a student needs another copy of the syllabus or something that was handed out in class, chances are it can be found on eCampus. The “classlist” tab on eCampus even gives students the option of sending an email to other students in the class.
Years ago, the only time a student was encouraged to use the computer was to either type a paper for school or to conduct research for homework. However, the last decade has seen a drastic change in what the internet can do for society and how people should use it.
When the internet first became popular, everything about it was uniform. There was no individuality or uniqueness by today’s standards. Today, everyone can find a place to channel their energy and creativity online. There are social networking websites that are available for all types of people with any type of interest imaginable. People can find forums about travel, relationships, anime, and even genealogy.
Although social media has enhanced our lives, it has also had a negative impact as well. People no longer take the time to get to know each other in person because they can “Facebook stalk” them later. Why pick up the phone to call them when you can send them a Facebook message or tweet them?
The reliance on social networking websites as the way to communicate with other people has become so great that applications are available on almost all Smart phones that allow people to have these tools at their fingertips at all times. Despite the many benefits social networking websites can provide, people should not forget the importance of basic human contact and interpersonal skills.
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