LITERATURE REVIEW
Social networking once meant going to a social functions like family get-togethers, class reunions, festivals, social functions such as a cocktail party, conference, or business luncheon. Today, much social networking is achieved through Web sites such as Facebook, Orkut, MySpace and Twitter.
Social Networking Services more often than not, have been accused of impacting an individual’s social and personal sphere in a number of ways, of which not all were positive. Also, the booming domain of online social networking services, at the rate of its growth, has instigated scholarly research and attracted specialized studies about the same. Although, the fact that it impacts an individual’s life is accepted and agreed upon, but researchers have presented varied and vivid results from an array of studies carried out in the recent past. Due to some startling observations made by researchers in the past about the negative influences that were said to be observed in the youngsters addicted to online social networking, through websites like Orkut, Facebook, Twitter etc., the change in humanity’s regular communicating habits is apparent.
No wonder, social networking sites have been in lime light, on and off, for the good, bad and ugly reasons. Evidently, much of the studies have gone into online social networking, as compared to other streams of communication. An attempt to study how have social networking sites and services, have been consuming space in human life, especially among young adults has been done to understand the not so obvious reasons for an obvious phenomena.
Considering the dynamic nature of this contemporary media form, many news reports and articles were reviewed as they were the best way to get an idea about the latest developments in the field. Also, to understand what could have been a better place to study the Internet born phenomena, than the Internet itself? Thus, a lot of content available online was considered for the study. Also, existing journals and research papers were a major knowledge base to provide inputs for the study.
Social Networking: The Fastest Growing Trend on the Internet
It has been amazing to see the growth of ‘Social Networking’ over the last several years. Almost every ‘Netizen’ is today exposed to and a user of at least one social networking service. It is that space where people can develop networks of friends and associates (whether only on line, in real life, or both) and create, share or provide information on similar interests, tastes, lifestyles and other information.
These Social Networking sites have gained popularity for one simple reason, the ability to share, with others, information about yourself your interests, your hobbies, your thoughts and feelings or anything you choose. It provides you a centre stage to showcase (almost) all about you. These can quickly be reciprocated by others in your network and by you through messages, comments, instant messaging applications, photos, games, and group interaction.
Facebook started as a site for previous College Associates to remain in contact with one another during and after they had finished College. YouTube is another social networking site and not just a repository for uploading various types of videos (as presumed by many) since it provides space for comments and feedback.
Some sites are popular by type of category they use, where others are popular by region (like UK and Europe, Africa, etc), but they often have a USP of its own. The only way to know if a Social Network is suitable/apt for one is to research some of these sites on the Internet, ask friends, family or work colleagues who may already use one (or more) of these sites. Popular social networking sites, including MySpace and Facebook, are changing the human fabric of the Internet and have the potential to pay off big for investors, but -- given their youthful user base -- they are unusually vulnerable to the next 'new new' thing. As quickly as users flock to one trendy Internet site, they can just as quickly move on to another, with no advance warning, according to Wharton faculty and Internet analysts.
Many-a-times social networking sites have been observed and appreciated for reporting events like fires, storms, and even floods in other countries that have occurred locally in that vicinity instantly, usually even hours before these events are made aware by the media.
One misconception about SNS is its users, whereas in reality people from many different walks of life in many countries in many age groups use these sites. Thus, Age is not the criteria.
Tapping Facebook to Improve Traffic
The study of the relationship between media and society has a long and varied history in the
social sciences and the humanities. Realizing the impact and following of social networking the Delhi traffic police department conducted a novel experiment with Facebook to open a two-way channel for instant communication with road-users, by installing a fan page on the site. The campaign has tasted success, bringing in more than 21,000 dedicated members in barely three months. This experiment is not only limited to Delhi but spread all over India and especially in the metropolitan cities.
The police use the platform to give out frequent updates and advisories on the traffic scenario in the capital. They also share data on special drives carried out from time to time.
Bulldozing bureaucratic barriers that often prevent the flow of information on the ground realities to supervisory officers, the platform has fast evolved into a medium for both road-users and the traffic police for sharing information and exchanging views.
The police also acknowledged the fact that they have been able to deliver more efficiently, thanks to information being provided by the members. Interestingly, people are frequently reporting traffic rule violations and other problems they come across. They feel empowered to contribute to the prosecution of violators as said by the Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Satyendra Garg. Taking up the issues seriously, the traffic police are issuing receipts to violators and also getting back to the contributors about the action taken. The social platform turned out to highly effective with the traffic police receiving 4,425 complaints through their Facebook account in all till August 15, with prosecution been initiated in 1,577 cases of violations.
Apart from the wall, a discussion board has also been set up on which the members have so far posted nearly 130 topics. Senior officers, including Mr. Garg, have been regularly responding to issues highlighted by the members. Other traffic police officers are also encouraged to respond to area-specific problems.[1]
[1]The Hindu, August 22, 2010. New Delhi, India, Devesh K. Pandey
ROLE OF SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES IN EGYPT:
Egypt had blocked Facebook and Twitter after the social networking sites were used in the rally demonstrators for extraordinary protests in Cairo against the dictatorship. Hosni Mubarak was forced to end his authoritarian rule which began in 1981. Now the generals can either abide by the call for democracy that is ringing all over the country or enter into risky phase of confrontation with the mass movement.
Anti-government activists used Facebook to plan the protests, gathering the support of 90,000 users who agreed to attend the event of protests against the ruling party and several reports by newspapers and media channels indicated that Twitter had been blocked in order to prevent videos, photos and other details from the protests from being broadcast. It's not the first time the government of Hosni Mubarak has considered blocking Facebook, a favorite venue for Egypt's disaffected youth where they would discuss their social problems and try to solve it. Social networking sites were used as a powerful medium to eradicate the tyranny which prevailed in the country.
In 2008, one group mobilized 80,000 supporters to protest rising food prices in Egypt. Facebook networking also played a crucial role in broadening support and turnout for a 2009 textile workers' strike and protest in the country. As Egypt's embattled President Hosni Mubarak gave up his presidency, analysts and some of the Egyptian protestors said he'd still be in charge if not for the power of social networking. Due to the rebellious activism by the protestors at present the ruling power is vested in the hands of military of the nation. During a time of unrest that saw Mubarak's regime disconnect Egypt from the Internet for several days, social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter served as critical tools for the people seeking to topple the long-time ruler. Egyptians used their creativity, talent and technology to call for a government that represented their hopes and not their fears.
Massive protests, some which had been arranged via social networking sites, were intensified in Egypt; therefore, the country had reportedly decided to ban even more communication platforms including Facebook and BlackBerry Internet service. Open exchange of information and views benefits societies and helps governments in having better connection with their people.
Protests were raging throughout Egypt. These demonstrations were organized via Facebook and Twitter and brought thousands of protestors into the streets of Cairo. The people were protesting issues like economic policies, government corruption, and were demanding that President Hosni Mubarak step down after a thirty year reign. Organizers of the protest, which took to social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and blogs to get the call out, said it was part of efforts to remove President Hosni Mubarak from his three-decade rule of the country.
On January 25th more than 90,000 people had signed up with a group on Facebook called “We Are All Khaled. This name was given in honor of an activist that was reportedly beaten by the police. At first, Facebook remained unaffected, while Twitter was banned on several levels including the physical site, the mobile site, and the third-party site. However, there had been some very limited access to Twitter via Web proxies. According to the updated reports by media Facebook was inaccessible 86 times in Egypt.
It is believed that Egypt is following suit with other countries who staged protests via social networking sites. In the beginning of the protest, social networking sites played a huge role in the uprising in Tunisia concerning the country's President Zine el-Albidine Ben Ali. Also, last year Twitter was involved in an uprising that broke out in Iran.
Social networking is a fantastic way to reach out friends and family, but as we see in Egypt, Tunisia, and Iran, it can also be used for some social demonstration and even violence. We could see why Egypt has banned these sites, but we can also see why some would say that this is a violation of free speech. The utility of social networks for positive relationships between governing entities and the governed is more interesting, and has a lot more room to run. Conversely, their utility for anti-government communication and information transfer among politically-voiceless classes is rising day by day and has reached in solving the social problems.
It is a huge victory for the great Egyptian uprising which had begun long ago with confrontations between a courageous group of protestors mostly young and idealistic. The initiative began with the use of social networking sites which would reach people in huge number and had a great effect in bringing the change in the country. In resigning from the presidency, under pressure from a full blown pro democracy movement, Mubarak had been forced to end an infamous authoritarian era that began when he assumed power in 1981 following the assassination of President Anwar Sadat at a military parade. Mubarak’s fall marked a moment of rebirth for Egyptian nationalism, inclusive and proud.
No comments:
Post a Comment