Social Networks and Social Networking Sites

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Introduction

The world has evolved into a technologically savvy and dependent society with the Internet readily available to many. Convenience and connection are vital to individuals, especially within the United States. Social networking sites have progressed to fit the demanding desires of today’s technological era (Albarran 118). The progression from the first social networking sites, such as Friendster or instant messaging, to the sites used today, such as Facebook and Twitter, has made a significant impact on society. Fifteen years ago it was unimaginable the advancements the world has made in many areas, especially in technology and the worldwide web. Remaining behind a computer screen for hours was once a foreign concept, but recently became commonplace among the younger generations. Social networks are the most frequently used and popular sites on the Internet. In the United States, the time spent on social networking sites is double the amount of time spent on any other site online and continues to increase (Wilcox and Stephen 90). Without a doubt, social networking sites are an ever-growing phenomenon that is prominent in society.

Technology is a very effective tool for staying plugged in and connected with the world. Social networking sites began with original, positive intentions. Social networking sites are a great way to be aware of the most recent news. In Friends, Followers, and the Future, writer, filmmaker, and journalist Rory O’Connor whose work centers around media and politics states, “Ironically, we live in a media-saturated era, one in which news and information from a wide range of sources is readily available to many of us for the first time in history” (24). Another respectable original intent...

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...tisocial Media Content: Rejection-Based Anger Impairs Moral Judgment Among Adolescents." Developmental Psychology 49.6 (2013): 1165-1173. PsycARTICLES. Web. 15 Nov. 2014.

Smahel, David, B. Bradford Brown, and Lukas Blinka. "Associations Between Online Friendship And Internet Addiction Among Adolescents And Emerging Adults." Developmental Psychology 48.2 (2012): 381-388. Academic Search Premier. Web. 7 Dec. 2014.

Utz, Sonja, Martin Tanis, and Ivar Vermeulen. "It Is All About Being Popular: The Effects Of Need For Popularity On Social Network Site Use." Cyberpsychology, Behavior, And Social Networking 15.1 (2012): 37-42. PsycINFO. Web. 22 Nov. 2014.

Wilcox, Keith, and Andrew T. Stephen. "Are Close Friends The Enemy? Online Social Networks, Self-Esteem, And Self-Control." Journal Of Consumer Research 40.1 (2013): 90-103. Business Source Premier. Web. 22 Nov. 2014.

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