Features of Social Networking

A social networking service is an online service, platform, or site that focuses on building and reflecting of social networks or social relations among people, who, for example, share interests and/or activities. A social network service consists of a representation of each user (often a profile), his/her social links, and a variety of additional services. Social networking sites allow users to share ideas, activities, events, and interests within their individual networks. The main social networking sites include face book, twitter, orkut, Google plus etc.
As the increase in popularity of social networking is on a constant rise, new uses for the technology are constantly being observed. Companies have begun to merge business technologies and solutions, such as cloud computing, with social networking concepts. Social networks are also being used by teachers and students as a communication tool. Because many students are already using a wide-range of social networking sites, teachers have begun to familiarize themselves with this trend and are now using it to their advantage. Teachers and professors are doing everything from creating chat-room forums and groups to extend classroom discussion to posting assignments, tests and quizzes, to assisting with homework outside of the classroom setting. Social networks are also being used to foster teacher-parent communication. These sites make it possible and more convenient for parents to ask questions and voice concerns without having to meet face-to-face. A final rise in social network use is being driven by college students using the services to network with professionals for internship and job opportunities.
On the other hand, there are many disadvantages of it. Privacy concerns with social networking services have been raised growing concerns amongst users on the dangers of giving out too much personal information and the threat of sexual predators. Many social networking services, such as Face book, provide the user with a choice of who can view their profile. This prevents unauthorized user(s) from accessing their information. The relative freedom afforded by social networking services has caused concern regarding the potential of its misuse by individual patrons.