A Closer Look: Definition of Social Networking

To define social networking, we need only look at our lives, for though the term is relatively new, the concept is as old as humanity itself. As long as there are people, there will be social networks – individuals connecting with other individuals to form groups, groups connecting with other groups to form larger groups, and then individuals from one group connecting with individuals from another group to form an entirely different group. It’s more like a spider web, really, and it doesn’t take long to find that you are more closely connected than you thought to just about everyone.

We are all in some kind of social network, whether it’s a family, a neighborhood, a religious organization or a sports team; we know people who know other people. As the world has become better connected across geographical and cultural boundaries, we’ve had to devise more creative ways to stay connected and form new relationships.

That’s where the Internet came in.

Social Networking Websites

There are social networking websites for every conceivable hobby and interest from knitting and crochet to sexual fetishes. There are also sites like Meetup, where you can search for local kindred hobbyists or start your own interest group if there’s not already one in your area.

Business networking sites like LinkedIn, MeettheBoss and Yelp can help you connect with individuals and find information about businesses both local and worldwide.

Dating sites like OkCupid, Plenty of Fish and Fubar want to connect you with someone special, perhaps for one night, perhaps for a lifetime.

And of course, there are also general social networking sites (Facebook, MySpace, Twitter) that are all about finding friends, both new and old, and keeping in touch through photos, blogs/journals, status updates and personal messages back and forth.

Yes, it seems that in keeping with the times, human beings are gravitating more and more towards social networking websites in addition to the social networks they’re in in the “real world.” And the world gets smaller and smaller with every click.