Web-Based Networking: A Better Way to Communicate

Checking out a picture of a friend´s last holyday trip, rating a newly released hit, passing the word around for the next gathering… These are all pastimes you can now do from the comfort of your home as they are only a click away, thanks to web based social networks. This highly efficient communication structure allows the sharing of all kinds of interests and activities in a fast way, and online communities of all sorts interact in a variety of ways, such as email and instant messaging. The dynamic communication with mind-like individuals paves the way for a more organized coexistence in modern society. However, not everything is squeaky-clean about virtual interaction. The integrity of this service is compromised by hackers and other mentally unfit individuals who use technology to commit crime. But despite this dark side, web based social networks improve people´s lives significantly by enhancing the way they communicate.

First of all, Internet social networks allow more interactive communication with friends and family. Through the use of virtual sites like Facebook and Hi5, communities interact lively exchanging messages in various ways: you can let others know what your position is about a certain topic by posting a profile comment, you can comment on a friend`s picture of his or her last holiday trip, or simply post what your plans for the day are. Email and instant messages are highly efficient tools to communicate with others as messages arrive fast and written records are always kept on servers. Regular mail service does not come even closely to being as practical.

Secondly, web-based networking is a great source to check art by unknown authors. On places like MySpace and YouTube, new bands have a window to show their work to other network users. This innovative approach has revolutionized the way we experience all kinds of artistic passions, by weaving nodes among art makers and enjoyers. Meiners (2007) reported that a virtual social network, called MyArtInfo, is a place where “Artists of all types can showcase their work, exchange ideas, chat with each other online, and blog”. Poetry, music, arts, film and the like are all available in this site. Considering the costs of producing and advertizing of new material, web based services give new artists an opportunity to reach a broader audience worldwide.

Thirdly, day to day, affordable communication with friends overseas is now more possible than ever. Ten years ago, keeping in touch with those abroad was too expensive, and people were restrained to brief calls in a very modest frequency. Sending a postcard to a friend o relative back home would take at least weeks. Now, thanks to web-based social networks, travelers can exchange their experiences as they go – all they need is a broadband internet connection nearby.

Finally, communication through the Internet provides an effective way to form organizations for various purposes. Associations of colleague professionals, fund raising for charity, protesting against a new law, or demanding recognition of civil rights have all found their way within Twitter and Facebook. As Scott (2002) analyzes, these virtual sites allow “constant interaction” among individuals who are much more likely to reach agreement regarding policies and curses of action (387). Overall, the benefit in society as a whole is significant given that better organized communities will reach higher life standards.

Despite these mentioned advantages, detractors claim that Internet networking has facilitated crime for child molesters, sexual predators, and scam artists. While this lamentable aspect is real, one must also recognize that, like in any non-virtual social environment, parents must monitor their children´s social interaction. With the use of computer programs that prevent the spread of malware, and monitor email, instant messaging, web sites, and other computer activity on remote systems, parents can diligently guarantee the appropriate milieu for their children. Children must be advised not to expose information that is too personal or intimate because of the threats of doing so. They must know how to react when a sexual predator attempts contact. In this way, when suspicion is raised, children must tell their parents right away, and they have to denounce the incidence to the corresponding authorities so that both preventive and corrective actions are taken. Regardless of the type of surrounding, the more prepared children are, the better off they will be.

No matter where you are all around the globe, web-based social networks can improve your communication with others. This enhanced level of information exchange is convenient for all participants in the networking process. Just like in any conventional environment, individuals must be careful about what they share and who they share it with. Moreover, societies must reflect on the way we communicate and assure that all people in the network can get the best benefit possible.

Elmer Murillo