2 years, 5 months ago
Why do people spend so much time on social networks like Facebook, MySpace, etc?
The obvious answer is "to communicate". However, I'm looking for some very specific points as to why people spend so much time communicating on social networks.
There have been studies completed, blog posts authored, and likely even videos uploaded to youtube around this topic.
The best answer will go to the person with the best list of reasons that clearly explain why people contribute their time. Sources count - if you can back up your reasons with a source, it would really help out your answer.
There have been studies completed, blog posts authored, and likely even videos uploaded to youtube around this topic.
The best answer will go to the person with the best list of reasons that clearly explain why people contribute their time. Sources count - if you can back up your reasons with a source, it would really help out your answer.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$17 Answers
My personal reasons for spending time on social networking sites are: When I was a teen, I used to spend a lot of time on myspace because like all teenagers, I also wanted to meet new people, make friends and have some fun. Then, I joined facebook to find old friends and keep in touch. Now, I use twitter because everyone (my friends & whole world) is doing so and I just want to follow the trend.
In general, I have observed & found following reasons for people to be spending so much time on social networking sites:
1. Socialize
Social networks are great way to meet new people and make new friends. I have made a bunch of good friends through social networking sites.
2. Finding & being in touch with old friends & family
Social networking sites are really helpful in finding old friends. I personally use facebook to find childhood friends, old classmates and old friends whom I have lost contact with. I also use it to keep in touch with the old as well as current friends.
3. To Follow the trend
Many people join these sites because their friends or some famous people are doing it and they just want to follow the trend. The biggest examples I can give are celebrities. Okay, there are many fakes, but there are actual celebrities too who are tweeting or using facebook and stuff. You can read about it every day in the newspaper.
4. For time pass
When a person is bored and has nothing to do, he/she can pass the time by chatting or meeting new people on social networking sites
5. Promotion/Advertising
From singers to bloggers, you can find all kind of professionals and business owners advertising their music, bands, brands, products, blogs, websites, or whatever they do or sell. Most of these people are spending so much time on social networks for promoting of whatever they do or sell only. They don’t have any interest in communicating. They send friend requests to unknown people and try to get some free publicity, that’s it.
6. Getting visitors to blogs/sites
Many webmasters and bloggers spend time on social networking sites to get some visitors to their blogs/sites.
7. Get referrals/customers
Affiliate marketers spend time on social networks to get some potential referrals/customers by place their affiliate links in their profiles or tweets.
8. For fun
Whether it be teenagers looking to have some fun or perverts looking to have some fun, social networks are great places to have some fun.
9. Live as a different person (/personality)
I have observed many people who are very silent or extremely introvert in real life to be totally opposite online. They come out from their protective hood and freely live online as a total different personality. On social networks, they become whatever they want and can’t be in real life. They interact a lot and make lots of friends online.
10. Learn English and communication skills
This might be the odd one. But I have read somewhere that many Asians join social networks to participate in forums or communities to improve their English and communication skills (written).
In general, I have observed & found following reasons for people to be spending so much time on social networking sites:
1. Socialize
Social networks are great way to meet new people and make new friends. I have made a bunch of good friends through social networking sites.
2. Finding & being in touch with old friends & family
Social networking sites are really helpful in finding old friends. I personally use facebook to find childhood friends, old classmates and old friends whom I have lost contact with. I also use it to keep in touch with the old as well as current friends.
3. To Follow the trend
Many people join these sites because their friends or some famous people are doing it and they just want to follow the trend. The biggest examples I can give are celebrities. Okay, there are many fakes, but there are actual celebrities too who are tweeting or using facebook and stuff. You can read about it every day in the newspaper.
4. For time pass
When a person is bored and has nothing to do, he/she can pass the time by chatting or meeting new people on social networking sites
5. Promotion/Advertising
From singers to bloggers, you can find all kind of professionals and business owners advertising their music, bands, brands, products, blogs, websites, or whatever they do or sell. Most of these people are spending so much time on social networks for promoting of whatever they do or sell only. They don’t have any interest in communicating. They send friend requests to unknown people and try to get some free publicity, that’s it.
6. Getting visitors to blogs/sites
Many webmasters and bloggers spend time on social networking sites to get some visitors to their blogs/sites.
7. Get referrals/customers
Affiliate marketers spend time on social networks to get some potential referrals/customers by place their affiliate links in their profiles or tweets.
8. For fun
Whether it be teenagers looking to have some fun or perverts looking to have some fun, social networks are great places to have some fun.
9. Live as a different person (/personality)
I have observed many people who are very silent or extremely introvert in real life to be totally opposite online. They come out from their protective hood and freely live online as a total different personality. On social networks, they become whatever they want and can’t be in real life. They interact a lot and make lots of friends online.
10. Learn English and communication skills
This might be the odd one. But I have read somewhere that many Asians join social networks to participate in forums or communities to improve their English and communication skills (written).
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$Report Abuse
This answer is a lot of opinion, and naturally I have a bias, as I'm starting a different kind of social networking phenomenon and site. At the end of the day, all of these social networking sites and online communication tools. Even Mahalo falls into this boat of an online community or a Web 2.0 or social networking site. In general, social networking is inherently time consuming, but the current tools aren't always about optimizing a users' time, they are about optimizing what they believe is best for those networks, and what features they thought were best to add to the networks. Since social networking features are about keeping a user online, and on the network, they are about linking information back to the user, so that the user can share this information.
"According to research by Harvard Business School's Mikolaj Jan Piskorski, people spend 70% of their time on social networks looking at profiles and photos" http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/6156.html
According to tech blogger Chris Pirillo, "everything old is new again" and "conversations have always been around." He explains social media in the video.
In my opinion, not all sites were created equally, and not all sites are out to share information the same way, but they are all out there to share information. The way the sites choose to share information, lends itself to a challenge for the user. Since many of these sites copied services such as Compuserve or AOL (chat based, forums, and groups which take time), they are basically time intensive. Now, I believe since these sites are building an expensive ecosystem, rather than an aggregator ecosystem, they are leading to confuse the user with their vision, rather than let the user know their vision. The user today will eventually not know why these sites exist (some people don't know why these sites exist), and as they continue to grow, they will hit a new high, and eventually users of these sites will leave when they find a better alternative that optimizes their time, or improves their efforts with connecting with people in their social network.
The value of a social network is how the network helps the people on the network. If the user spends time to the extent that this goal cannot be accomplished, then the network is more so doing a disservice to the user, than servicing the user.
So, I think that reasons like the sites mentioned above cause the user to spend time, is because more and more features (time intensive features such as groups, chat, and games), but features that distance a user from their social graph, rather than strengthen their social network or an understanding of why the people are there. Take one of the popular social networks. You've got groups, chat, forums, and possibly an answers section. You've got apps, games, videos, blogs, and more, which makes these sites category killers. You got people going to these sites for more reasons than just social networking. Think of it like going to Walmart or Target, you spend a lot of time in these stores to shop, you inevitably will spend a lot of time because there is more to shop for, similar to an online network, there is more to do, there is more time to spend doing it.
The other challenge is, as these sites grow and get bigger, they may be becoming less value to the user, for one purpose. The more these sites spread themselves thinner, the more these sites are allowing the user to spend more time on the site, for more reasons then the site originally intended the user to spend time on the social networking site.
Look at a site like Twitter, you don't have to spend any time on it. You can be on another site completely, and send your message through another service. This service in my opinion acts like a bridge, and gets the information out to a broadcast.
Too much innovation in the wrong direction can lead some social networking sites to become less value on the social side, and distance the user from their social network, rather than connect the user. If the site is less focused on connecting people, and more focused on playing games, then the user who enjoys playing games will go there to play games.
Since these sites are optimizing the sites to benefit the network, more than than the user, or the usability of the site, then the site is not strengthening the value of connecting people, yet strengthening the value of connecting users with the game, the time waster, etc. that may not add value to your real life.
The real social network is not the site or the social networking tool use, the real social network is the people you meet, the people you hang out with, the way you use the tool, and can benefit from the tool. If you are not communicating with the people beyond the tool, or never step off your computer, these sites are not always encouraging what's best for every human being, as many humans need to get off the computer. That's why there are different kinds of networks, for those who want to go out, specific niche networks, answers sites, etc. The fact you can go onto one users profile and leave a message to someone you call a friend in a virtual network, and never see this person in real life again, is the fact that you can spend more time online via the social network, and not really have reason to ever see this "friend" again in your entire life. It's amazing to believe that you can go online, call someone your friend, and never see them because a tool dominates what really matters in your social life. The real value of the social network for the user, and a social graph, is that the user actually can connect with the users in their network.
A game changer in social networking will come out, such as FourSquare, and a site that I envision that I believe will strengthen people's social network, their real network. You've also got to remember that the people who create these networks are not optimizing your real social network.
Sites such as Ping.fm allow you to update to multiple social networking services.
At the end of the day:
1. There is no perfect social network
2. Social networking takes time because networking is time consuming and the people who build these sites don't always care about your time as much as they care about building their network
3. Sharing information takes time in the current ecosystem of social networking sites
4. The current way these sites were modeled were created from children who grew up in the Compuserve and AOL age. They thought like AOL, so they are building their networks on ways from the past that took time.
5. Chatting takes time and distances people
6. Uploading photos takes time and so does looking at them
7. Going to forums and groups takes time
8. These sites were made for profit companies, they think about ways to keep you on their to make more profit
9. People come and go in flocks
10. The Web is transient according to Steve Rubel, people will go from one service to the next, and go on social networks like they are night clubs.
11. Building up information that defines you on a profile takes time, and so does looking at these profiles
Social networks were not built to optimize your time like fast food restaurants that want you in and out.
"According to research by Harvard Business School's Mikolaj Jan Piskorski, people spend 70% of their time on social networks looking at profiles and photos" http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/6156.html
According to tech blogger Chris Pirillo, "everything old is new again" and "conversations have always been around." He explains social media in the video.
In my opinion, not all sites were created equally, and not all sites are out to share information the same way, but they are all out there to share information. The way the sites choose to share information, lends itself to a challenge for the user. Since many of these sites copied services such as Compuserve or AOL (chat based, forums, and groups which take time), they are basically time intensive. Now, I believe since these sites are building an expensive ecosystem, rather than an aggregator ecosystem, they are leading to confuse the user with their vision, rather than let the user know their vision. The user today will eventually not know why these sites exist (some people don't know why these sites exist), and as they continue to grow, they will hit a new high, and eventually users of these sites will leave when they find a better alternative that optimizes their time, or improves their efforts with connecting with people in their social network.
The value of a social network is how the network helps the people on the network. If the user spends time to the extent that this goal cannot be accomplished, then the network is more so doing a disservice to the user, than servicing the user.
So, I think that reasons like the sites mentioned above cause the user to spend time, is because more and more features (time intensive features such as groups, chat, and games), but features that distance a user from their social graph, rather than strengthen their social network or an understanding of why the people are there. Take one of the popular social networks. You've got groups, chat, forums, and possibly an answers section. You've got apps, games, videos, blogs, and more, which makes these sites category killers. You got people going to these sites for more reasons than just social networking. Think of it like going to Walmart or Target, you spend a lot of time in these stores to shop, you inevitably will spend a lot of time because there is more to shop for, similar to an online network, there is more to do, there is more time to spend doing it.
The other challenge is, as these sites grow and get bigger, they may be becoming less value to the user, for one purpose. The more these sites spread themselves thinner, the more these sites are allowing the user to spend more time on the site, for more reasons then the site originally intended the user to spend time on the social networking site.
Look at a site like Twitter, you don't have to spend any time on it. You can be on another site completely, and send your message through another service. This service in my opinion acts like a bridge, and gets the information out to a broadcast.
Too much innovation in the wrong direction can lead some social networking sites to become less value on the social side, and distance the user from their social network, rather than connect the user. If the site is less focused on connecting people, and more focused on playing games, then the user who enjoys playing games will go there to play games.
Since these sites are optimizing the sites to benefit the network, more than than the user, or the usability of the site, then the site is not strengthening the value of connecting people, yet strengthening the value of connecting users with the game, the time waster, etc. that may not add value to your real life.
The real social network is not the site or the social networking tool use, the real social network is the people you meet, the people you hang out with, the way you use the tool, and can benefit from the tool. If you are not communicating with the people beyond the tool, or never step off your computer, these sites are not always encouraging what's best for every human being, as many humans need to get off the computer. That's why there are different kinds of networks, for those who want to go out, specific niche networks, answers sites, etc. The fact you can go onto one users profile and leave a message to someone you call a friend in a virtual network, and never see this person in real life again, is the fact that you can spend more time online via the social network, and not really have reason to ever see this "friend" again in your entire life. It's amazing to believe that you can go online, call someone your friend, and never see them because a tool dominates what really matters in your social life. The real value of the social network for the user, and a social graph, is that the user actually can connect with the users in their network.
A game changer in social networking will come out, such as FourSquare, and a site that I envision that I believe will strengthen people's social network, their real network. You've also got to remember that the people who create these networks are not optimizing your real social network.
Sites such as Ping.fm allow you to update to multiple social networking services.
At the end of the day:
1. There is no perfect social network
2. Social networking takes time because networking is time consuming and the people who build these sites don't always care about your time as much as they care about building their network
3. Sharing information takes time in the current ecosystem of social networking sites
4. The current way these sites were modeled were created from children who grew up in the Compuserve and AOL age. They thought like AOL, so they are building their networks on ways from the past that took time.
5. Chatting takes time and distances people
6. Uploading photos takes time and so does looking at them
7. Going to forums and groups takes time
8. These sites were made for profit companies, they think about ways to keep you on their to make more profit
9. People come and go in flocks
10. The Web is transient according to Steve Rubel, people will go from one service to the next, and go on social networks like they are night clubs.
11. Building up information that defines you on a profile takes time, and so does looking at these profiles
Social networks were not built to optimize your time like fast food restaurants that want you in and out.
source(s):
http://www.micropersuasion.com/2006/04/the_transient_w.html
http://www.businessinsider.com/what-people-really-do-on-social-networks-200...
http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/6156.html
http://www.danah.org/papers/essays/ClassDivisions.html
http://www.downloadbestsoft.com/howto/privacy/why-i-hate-social-networking-...
http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/2009-09-27-social-networking_N.htm
http://creativecapital.wordpress.com/2008/01/29/its-official-us-social-netw...
http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/15/is-myspace-good-for-societ...
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=facebook+th...
http://www.socializedpr.com/will-facebook-be-the-next-aol/
http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/03/09/career-advice-dont-choose-facebook-ove...
http://www.micropersuasion.com/2006/04/the_transient_w.html
http://www.businessinsider.com/what-people-really-do-on-social-networks-200...
http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/6156.html
http://www.danah.org/papers/essays/ClassDivisions.html
http://www.downloadbestsoft.com/howto/privacy/why-i-hate-social-networking-...
http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/2009-09-27-social-networking_N.htm
http://creativecapital.wordpress.com/2008/01/29/its-official-us-social-netw...
http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/15/is-myspace-good-for-societ...
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=facebook+th...
http://www.socializedpr.com/will-facebook-be-the-next-aol/
http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/03/09/career-advice-dont-choose-facebook-ove...
videos:
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M$
I hestitate to answer this question because I know that my answer doesn't meet your criteria. But then again, I just want to be heard. ;-)
My main reason for spending so much time on Facebook, or other social networks is that in reality I am a loner. I enjoy other people's thoughts but I do not necessarily enjoy their company.
Social networking offers the opportunity to communicate without becoming personally involved. If I do not like what you have to say or how you think I can avoid you. That is not possible with family or close friends. The pressure of the need to justify myself, or your values does not occur on Facebook!
I enjoy my limited world, and the face to face interaction I have with a select few of my intimates. I also enjoy my ability to express myself in an anonymous environment!
Sorry, no sources are provided as this is solely my own opinion! ;-)
My main reason for spending so much time on Facebook, or other social networks is that in reality I am a loner. I enjoy other people's thoughts but I do not necessarily enjoy their company.
Social networking offers the opportunity to communicate without becoming personally involved. If I do not like what you have to say or how you think I can avoid you. That is not possible with family or close friends. The pressure of the need to justify myself, or your values does not occur on Facebook!
I enjoy my limited world, and the face to face interaction I have with a select few of my intimates. I also enjoy my ability to express myself in an anonymous environment!
Sorry, no sources are provided as this is solely my own opinion! ;-)
source(s):
personal opinion
personal opinion
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
I really only needed one source as this is quite possibly more than anyone ever needs to know about social networking sites and includes most other information I found....
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/advice/media_literacy/medlitpub/medlitpubrss/socialnetworking/report.pdf
72 pages.
Around page 31 it gets into reasons why people use social networking sites and categorize them based off of this motivation. They group users into the following categories:
1.Socializers- People who use sites to meet new people, flirt, hook up, etc.
2. Attention seekers- people who are highly active simply to get responses and attention.
3. Followers- People who joined because well, everyone they know was on..*insert site*
4.Faithfuls- people seeking out old friends, family, etc. thinking, "everyone has a facebook/myspace page these days.."
5.Functionals- people seeking out hobbies or interests or even people of like thought.
For the most part I'd say that covers my own opinion as well as why people spend so much time of social networking sites. The majority of people fall into one of the above categories and such behavior becomes addictive.
Examples for each group.
1. I find a guy I liked and we hit off and have a good time. The site has worked for what I wanted it to work for, naturally I would assume it then will continue to work especially if I've had bad luck with personal interaction as much of today's computer generation has. This positive reinforcement will lead me to use more frequently.
2. I post some new images and get 50 comments telling me how lovely my hair is. That is one hell of a confidence shot. People are far more comfortable giving attention to inanimate screens... so people who seek attention online get more than they would in person, and have the option to become someone else if they feel the person they are is not worthy of attention.
3. If I'm at a party and all of my friends are talking about some video that was posted on facebook last night, and I don't have any idea what they are talking about.. it's most people's nature to want to know.. we as humans want to be in the loop... we want to be informed. The fact that social networking sites are used by so many.. is one of the reasons people spend so much time on them.
4. As a result of number 3, I Often catch myself thinking, does my best friend from kindergarten who moved to china have a facebook? She might.. everyone else does.. this leads people to spend lots of time searching for people, for more friends.. whether they are old friends or it's a matter of attention.
5.Especially being from a small town I can relate here. If I love, love, love Norwegian death metal and no one here does of course I would spend lots of time in a location that offers me the opportunity to converse with those of like thought, or that offers things I have interest in. Boredom is a powerful drive, and if a site can offer entertainment online in venues that may not otherwise be available to users.. that's a big draw.
To summarize that big splooge of information.. the reasons I feel people spend so much time on social networking sites:
Attention, self esteem builders, personal escape, boredom, reconnection, and the distancing of today's youth from face to face interaction.
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/advice/media_literacy/medlitpub/medlitpubrss/socialnetworking/report.pdf
72 pages.
Around page 31 it gets into reasons why people use social networking sites and categorize them based off of this motivation. They group users into the following categories:
1.Socializers- People who use sites to meet new people, flirt, hook up, etc.
2. Attention seekers- people who are highly active simply to get responses and attention.
3. Followers- People who joined because well, everyone they know was on..*insert site*
4.Faithfuls- people seeking out old friends, family, etc. thinking, "everyone has a facebook/myspace page these days.."
5.Functionals- people seeking out hobbies or interests or even people of like thought.
For the most part I'd say that covers my own opinion as well as why people spend so much time of social networking sites. The majority of people fall into one of the above categories and such behavior becomes addictive.
Examples for each group.
1. I find a guy I liked and we hit off and have a good time. The site has worked for what I wanted it to work for, naturally I would assume it then will continue to work especially if I've had bad luck with personal interaction as much of today's computer generation has. This positive reinforcement will lead me to use more frequently.
2. I post some new images and get 50 comments telling me how lovely my hair is. That is one hell of a confidence shot. People are far more comfortable giving attention to inanimate screens... so people who seek attention online get more than they would in person, and have the option to become someone else if they feel the person they are is not worthy of attention.
3. If I'm at a party and all of my friends are talking about some video that was posted on facebook last night, and I don't have any idea what they are talking about.. it's most people's nature to want to know.. we as humans want to be in the loop... we want to be informed. The fact that social networking sites are used by so many.. is one of the reasons people spend so much time on them.
4. As a result of number 3, I Often catch myself thinking, does my best friend from kindergarten who moved to china have a facebook? She might.. everyone else does.. this leads people to spend lots of time searching for people, for more friends.. whether they are old friends or it's a matter of attention.
5.Especially being from a small town I can relate here. If I love, love, love Norwegian death metal and no one here does of course I would spend lots of time in a location that offers me the opportunity to converse with those of like thought, or that offers things I have interest in. Boredom is a powerful drive, and if a site can offer entertainment online in venues that may not otherwise be available to users.. that's a big draw.
To summarize that big splooge of information.. the reasons I feel people spend so much time on social networking sites:
Attention, self esteem builders, personal escape, boredom, reconnection, and the distancing of today's youth from face to face interaction.
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M$
I actually didn't think the date affected much. I don't think in the last 2 years the mind set of our people has changed so much. No to mention though there may be new users, the old users are still the same folks. I think it would take more like 5-10 years before the information may even begin to be outdated as the internet evolves and the people'
s needs. :)
That is an interesting report and analysis. (Of course I haven't read the whole 72 pages yet!)
But it is worth bearing in mind it was published in Apr 2008, and the research was carried out in Sep-Oct of 2007. So it's quite likely that the kind of people that use social networks, and the ways they use them, have probably changed a fair bit.
Report Abuse
A long discussion on this post . Detailed and new points are mentioned by mahalo members. Every one has its own opinion. But I think that this is the most effective and new modern world way to communicate, keep in touch, to know more about other person what he/she likes or dislikes. friendship with girls and boys, entertainment, gossiping with friends and with the success of these points corporate companies also jump into social networking business because this is the most effective way to sell the product or service of organisation.
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M$
I spend time to know what my friends are doing. Also, sometimes I share my Mahalo pages and blogs with facebook friends.
Other than that, I don't spend much time in Facebook
Other than that, I don't spend much time in Facebook
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M$
I used to have to go to the local bar or club to hang out with my friends--get dressed up, be seen, play some pool or video games, catch up with the latest news, etc. Facebook has become that hangout, only better and withso much diversity and scope. If I don't want to get dressed or don't have money to go out, I still can chat with friends or play games or drink a beer for a lot less $ in the comfort of my own warm home=] And if you DO want to be seen you can upload a pic from your handy celly in a couple minutes. I am in love with Facebook and my son lives on myspace where all his friends are. It's become THE place to be--it rocks \00/ !
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
People spend a good deal of time on Social Networking sites to promote their business, a product, or products, and possibly a book or e-book. Then of course, you have people who just use one or two Social Networking sites to keep in touch with family members and associates.
The Social Networking sites, such as Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Friendster, and many others, after one is acclimated to the community, it really becomes your cyber home; your home away from home if you will. Ones affinity for the sites becomes evident by the fact that if your computer is down for a couple of days, or you can't log in for a few days, for whatever reason, you actually miss the interaction of your favorite Social Networking site. You miss the feeling of community that these sites offer.
The potential for increasing your online revenue is enhanced by your affiliation with a popular Social Networking site. For example, if you have 1000 plus "friends" in a particulay online community, that equates to 1000 plus visitors that may visit your website at some point and time. If you have contextual advertising on your site, ie. Google Adsesne, InfoLinks, Kontera, etc., you are paid when your visitors simply click on your inline ads. This is one of many reasons why it is advantageous to get involved in the Social Networking craze, and why people spend so much time on the Networking sites.
The Social Networking sites, such as Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Friendster, and many others, after one is acclimated to the community, it really becomes your cyber home; your home away from home if you will. Ones affinity for the sites becomes evident by the fact that if your computer is down for a couple of days, or you can't log in for a few days, for whatever reason, you actually miss the interaction of your favorite Social Networking site. You miss the feeling of community that these sites offer.
The potential for increasing your online revenue is enhanced by your affiliation with a popular Social Networking site. For example, if you have 1000 plus "friends" in a particulay online community, that equates to 1000 plus visitors that may visit your website at some point and time. If you have contextual advertising on your site, ie. Google Adsesne, InfoLinks, Kontera, etc., you are paid when your visitors simply click on your inline ads. This is one of many reasons why it is advantageous to get involved in the Social Networking craze, and why people spend so much time on the Networking sites.
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Hi, its fentastic questions that every one asking about social networking. The primary moto of social networking is to spread out messages to some others that what you are really thinking of your mind. It may be general to making friends in and arround to you, or it may be business to spread out awareness about your business in and around to you. or it may be some help from others.
I had many studies about that the social networking, it is one of the viral marketing concepts to reach millions of thousands of people around your community. you can get or make groups so that every one talks about and find solutions to the particular problems.
I hope you understood the concept.
I had many studies about that the social networking, it is one of the viral marketing concepts to reach millions of thousands of people around your community. you can get or make groups so that every one talks about and find solutions to the particular problems.
I hope you understood the concept.
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Money.
Large group of people are interesting to watch and follow you sometime get advice or product mentionned and many corporation have realized that word of mouth is often more valuable then big advertsing promotions from faceless people.
Networking.
People try to network and social network make it easy to find people in your niche and area of expertise.
Large group of people are interesting to watch and follow you sometime get advice or product mentionned and many corporation have realized that word of mouth is often more valuable then big advertsing promotions from faceless people.
Networking.
People try to network and social network make it easy to find people in your niche and area of expertise.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
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I believe the biggest reason is validation. Everyone wants to be acknowledged, and on these networks, you can have dozens of people validating your every thought.
Blind acceptance is very alluring. You don't have to meet these people. You don't even have to post a picture. You are judged only on what you type into a little box, not by how you look, where you live, what you own. Trust is established very easily, which is why these sites appeal to predators.
On Christopher D. Sessums article "Why is Facebook so Popular with Adolescents?", he states:
"Unlike many consumption-modeled websites, Facebook allows participants to talk to one another, to sense and see other presences, thus serving as an authentic community. Facebook allows relationships to spawn among groups of individuals where they can interact, crisscross and reinforce one another. For a 14-year-old girl, Facebook is a place where she can try on any number of identities and relationships. Facebook serves her as a vehicle that allows her “to traverse the social world, penetrate previously unattainable regions of anonymity,” and expand her social reach (Bakardjieva, 2004, 122)."
Of course, there are the marketers who spend all day trying to get rich getting other people to click on their links, but these are a very small part of the overall presence on Twitter and Facebook. According to Enid Burns on ClickZ,
"Adoption of social marketing tactics stems from the discovery "30 percent of frequent social networkers trust their peers' opinions when making a major purchase decision, but only 10 percent trust an advertisement," said Emily Riley, JupiterResearch analyst and lead author of the report."
Another reason could be avoidance. This can actually be a psychiatric disorder which causes people to do anything to avoid doing something undesireable. It's interesting that you posted this, because right now, I've been online all day avoiding cleaning the kitchen and bedroom, two chores I hate. I have had to block about 50 apps on Facebook because I seem to have friends who avoid life altogether by sitting online playing games all day, building farms, collecting gems..whatever. I couldn't find a serious link about this, but I did find this somewhat comical article on 10 Symptoms of Social Media Addiction.
On the flip side of that is Social Media Avoidance Disorder, which is (according to the psychiatric community) an actual disorder in which someone stubbornly refuses to participate in social networks. I don't put much stock in this, because I refused to get a microwave for years, and still only use it to reheat things. Perhaps these people have real lives, and don't need to create virtual lives with virtual friends. Each to their own.
Studies actually show that there is no such thing as "Internet Addiction", and if it isn't an addiction, or a syndrome, then it's just a bad, bad choice, right? I don't know. I still haven't done my dishes.
Blind acceptance is very alluring. You don't have to meet these people. You don't even have to post a picture. You are judged only on what you type into a little box, not by how you look, where you live, what you own. Trust is established very easily, which is why these sites appeal to predators.
On Christopher D. Sessums article "Why is Facebook so Popular with Adolescents?", he states:
"Unlike many consumption-modeled websites, Facebook allows participants to talk to one another, to sense and see other presences, thus serving as an authentic community. Facebook allows relationships to spawn among groups of individuals where they can interact, crisscross and reinforce one another. For a 14-year-old girl, Facebook is a place where she can try on any number of identities and relationships. Facebook serves her as a vehicle that allows her “to traverse the social world, penetrate previously unattainable regions of anonymity,” and expand her social reach (Bakardjieva, 2004, 122)."
Of course, there are the marketers who spend all day trying to get rich getting other people to click on their links, but these are a very small part of the overall presence on Twitter and Facebook. According to Enid Burns on ClickZ,
"Adoption of social marketing tactics stems from the discovery "30 percent of frequent social networkers trust their peers' opinions when making a major purchase decision, but only 10 percent trust an advertisement," said Emily Riley, JupiterResearch analyst and lead author of the report."
Another reason could be avoidance. This can actually be a psychiatric disorder which causes people to do anything to avoid doing something undesireable. It's interesting that you posted this, because right now, I've been online all day avoiding cleaning the kitchen and bedroom, two chores I hate. I have had to block about 50 apps on Facebook because I seem to have friends who avoid life altogether by sitting online playing games all day, building farms, collecting gems..whatever. I couldn't find a serious link about this, but I did find this somewhat comical article on 10 Symptoms of Social Media Addiction.
On the flip side of that is Social Media Avoidance Disorder, which is (according to the psychiatric community) an actual disorder in which someone stubbornly refuses to participate in social networks. I don't put much stock in this, because I refused to get a microwave for years, and still only use it to reheat things. Perhaps these people have real lives, and don't need to create virtual lives with virtual friends. Each to their own.
Studies actually show that there is no such thing as "Internet Addiction", and if it isn't an addiction, or a syndrome, then it's just a bad, bad choice, right? I don't know. I still haven't done my dishes.
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This won't win 'best answer', but one of the more interesting things I heard was from Mark Zuckerberg on the Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders podcast series from Standford.
During his presentation/talk he talks about how he doesn't like to think of Facebook as a Social Network and how the term is really overused to encompass too many thing. Instead Mark talks about how he (at least originally) developed Facebook with 'utilities' in mind. Meaning that Facebook was originally a utility to help aid college students find and expand their internal college networks. You can call that 'social networking', but he likes to think of it more as a tool.
Just like we use Microsoft Word as a utility to write essays, and Google docs as a utility to create spreadsheets, the internal aspects of 'social networks' can often be categorized as a utility that is meeting some purpose.
For example, linkedin could be thought of as a utility or tool for finding jobs, fact checking resumes and applicant qualifications, etc. Today Facebook could be split up several ways and into several utilities: gaming console, friend finding, picture keeping and organizier, etc. All of these things have have dedicated applications outside of the social network, but are gradually making there way inside the umbrella term 'social network'. Instead of using iPhoto which is a tool or utility, you may now use Facebook's system for example.
So while we may see people spending lots of people spending time 'Social Networking', some of this time is just being redirected from a different utility outside of a public/private network. So maybe instead of playing PS3 for 3 hours, you spend 1.5 hours playing PS3 and another 1.5 hours playing farmville.
I think when you change the way you think about these networks and evaluate them in terms of utilities and tools for a given task you can correlate it to things you already see in 'real life' which can give you a better idea as to 'why' they spend 'so much' time there.
During his presentation/talk he talks about how he doesn't like to think of Facebook as a Social Network and how the term is really overused to encompass too many thing. Instead Mark talks about how he (at least originally) developed Facebook with 'utilities' in mind. Meaning that Facebook was originally a utility to help aid college students find and expand their internal college networks. You can call that 'social networking', but he likes to think of it more as a tool.
Just like we use Microsoft Word as a utility to write essays, and Google docs as a utility to create spreadsheets, the internal aspects of 'social networks' can often be categorized as a utility that is meeting some purpose.
For example, linkedin could be thought of as a utility or tool for finding jobs, fact checking resumes and applicant qualifications, etc. Today Facebook could be split up several ways and into several utilities: gaming console, friend finding, picture keeping and organizier, etc. All of these things have have dedicated applications outside of the social network, but are gradually making there way inside the umbrella term 'social network'. Instead of using iPhoto which is a tool or utility, you may now use Facebook's system for example.
So while we may see people spending lots of people spending time 'Social Networking', some of this time is just being redirected from a different utility outside of a public/private network. So maybe instead of playing PS3 for 3 hours, you spend 1.5 hours playing PS3 and another 1.5 hours playing farmville.
I think when you change the way you think about these networks and evaluate them in terms of utilities and tools for a given task you can correlate it to things you already see in 'real life' which can give you a better idea as to 'why' they spend 'so much' time there.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
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I think I found my perfect question to answer. I started out on Myspace because I wanted to see who else was on there that I knew. It was a good way to keep my mind occupied, and it kept me from being bored. I quickly tired of myspace and joined Facebook. Now on Facebook I have most of my family all over the globe that I can keep up with what is going on in there lives, it keeps you connected. For the times you want to talk there is a instant message on there. Facebook also has some very good apps, where you can have a virtual life, there are games on there and always something to do. I blog on blogger.com and for that it is my journal. The modern day new diary.
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The answer to this question lies deep in human psychology and human needs, but let me put it straight, point-to-point in simple sentences. I tried to present a generalized look.
1. The first and the foremost reason being man is a social animal. He tries to form groups wherever he is. It is his natural instinct.
2. As you put it, man tries to communicate.
3. Due to mere inquisitiveness. Inquisitiveness can be very-very addictive sometimes. People have an inborn knack to probe into others' personal details.
4. It is yet another method to satisfy hunger for sex indirectly. I am sorry to mention this but it is true. People keep constantly searching for partners with who they can chat with, watch online and perhaps even date.
5. Social sites are great grounds to promote themselves and to advertise.
6. They are very helpful for finding answers and solutions. You help others and get help from others.
7. People can make groups with others having like mindset and similar interests, hobbies etc.
8. People can arrange for reunions and find their old friends.
9. Social sites can also be used for making money.
10. Some people also visit these sites to keep up with the fashion.
11. To share videos, music, photos, albums, movies, knowledge etc.
12. It's a food for creativity.
13. It's a great time pass.
14. Its sort of a playing ground.
15. It is not physically demanding.
Hope that helps. Thanks
1. The first and the foremost reason being man is a social animal. He tries to form groups wherever he is. It is his natural instinct.
2. As you put it, man tries to communicate.
3. Due to mere inquisitiveness. Inquisitiveness can be very-very addictive sometimes. People have an inborn knack to probe into others' personal details.
4. It is yet another method to satisfy hunger for sex indirectly. I am sorry to mention this but it is true. People keep constantly searching for partners with who they can chat with, watch online and perhaps even date.
5. Social sites are great grounds to promote themselves and to advertise.
6. They are very helpful for finding answers and solutions. You help others and get help from others.
7. People can make groups with others having like mindset and similar interests, hobbies etc.
8. People can arrange for reunions and find their old friends.
9. Social sites can also be used for making money.
10. Some people also visit these sites to keep up with the fashion.
11. To share videos, music, photos, albums, movies, knowledge etc.
12. It's a food for creativity.
13. It's a great time pass.
14. Its sort of a playing ground.
15. It is not physically demanding.
Hope that helps. Thanks
source(s):
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=2158671
http://personalweb.about.com/od/easyblogsandwebpages/a/whatsocialnetwo_2.ht...
http://dougfirebaugh.wordpress.com/2009/02/24/social-media-marketing-5-powe...
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2361024/top_nine_reasons_why_you_s...
http://www.rank-high-on-search-engines.net/reasons-to-join-social-networkin...
http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Reasons-To-Join-Social-Networking-S...
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=2158671
http://personalweb.about.com/od/easyblogsandwebpages/a/whatsocialnetwo_2.ht...
http://dougfirebaugh.wordpress.com/2009/02/24/social-media-marketing-5-powe...
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2361024/top_nine_reasons_why_you_s...
http://www.rank-high-on-search-engines.net/reasons-to-join-social-networkin...
http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Reasons-To-Join-Social-Networking-S...
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Yes, you rightly said man is a social animal. He wants to satisfy his needs directly or indirectly. All the points is directly related to money and personal satisfaction points. Some people do work on social networking to earn money to promote blogs, articles, websites and rest wants to make new friends, chat with old friends online because they are busy to meet them, for time pass, sharing pictures, videos songs and many things.
One thing is sure social networking is an addiction if a people once his taste he/she will become social networking addictive.
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As for me, I spend a lot of time on social networks because I am too busy to get out and meet all my friends one by one. Through social networks, I can get in touch with my loved ones, old friends, classmates/batches, and I can meet new friends here and abroad. This is a better way to socialize.
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very me
very me
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Social networks helped people to better showcase themselves, thus enabling communication and finding other people that might share some interests. Many groups inside social networking sites such as Facebook or StumbleUpon are centered around various interests or hobbies.
Another reason for spending time socializing online is pursuing a certain interest. This could be it getting in touch with people that might be offering you a better job, or making friends among potential buyers of your products. This explains why so much spam is nowadays choking social networks - it's like the apogee of internet marketers' distress: maybe eight out of ten communication attempts are spam.
Lonely people see social networking as an escape, a way to establish connections that otherwise would be difficult when you're shy or when your friends and acquaintances circle is very limited.
Briefly, people contribute their time for a reward, which can be friendship, new business leads or interests sharing.
Another reason for spending time socializing online is pursuing a certain interest. This could be it getting in touch with people that might be offering you a better job, or making friends among potential buyers of your products. This explains why so much spam is nowadays choking social networks - it's like the apogee of internet marketers' distress: maybe eight out of ten communication attempts are spam.
Lonely people see social networking as an escape, a way to establish connections that otherwise would be difficult when you're shy or when your friends and acquaintances circle is very limited.
Briefly, people contribute their time for a reward, which can be friendship, new business leads or interests sharing.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
They are several reasons why people spend so much time on these social networking sites.
1.To Meet People. It is a great place to meet people for romance,friendship and professional networking.
2.To Write Blogs. Blogging is a great way to earn money and also a good way to express your fears ,your wants and everything in between.
3.To Share Business Profiles. It is a very good marketing strategy,it builds your audience and reputation on the web
4.To Share videos Some people are passionate about sharing videos they make.
5.To rest and relax. Getting away from work, worry, and effort enables people to refresh and renew.
6.To Investigate. Some people are using it to do complete background checks on an employee,spouse or a friend.
http://www.shapingthoughts.com/2007/12/23/20-things-to-do-on-a-social-network-in-the-office
1.To Meet People. It is a great place to meet people for romance,friendship and professional networking.
2.To Write Blogs. Blogging is a great way to earn money and also a good way to express your fears ,your wants and everything in between.
3.To Share Business Profiles. It is a very good marketing strategy,it builds your audience and reputation on the web
4.To Share videos Some people are passionate about sharing videos they make.
5.To rest and relax. Getting away from work, worry, and effort enables people to refresh and renew.
6.To Investigate. Some people are using it to do complete background checks on an employee,spouse or a friend.
http://www.shapingthoughts.com/2007/12/23/20-things-to-do-on-a-social-network-in-the-office
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