Time flies fast, a few years ago people tended to communicate using wired devices like telephones or radio amateurs. Today, the Internet has reshaped our world beyond our imaginations. People now use desktop or laptop computers not only for work but also for entertainment and communication.
Part of the growing popularity of the world wide web as a new means of communication is the advent of social networking sites. These are proprietary websites that can be used by ordinary people to post personal profiles, images, videos, music, and messages. Users of social networking sites can invite other “friends” to join their network so they can view and share personal information with each other.
There are several social networking sites today, among the most popular are Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter. Most of the members of these sites are teenagers who love the company of friends and other people. However, did you know how important social media sites are?
1. Keep in touch
By maintaining a profile on these sites, your loved ones, friends, and distant relatives don’t have to call you every time just to keep in touch. One can take the opportunity to post personal messages, images, and videos of oneself for loved ones to see over and over again. It is cheap, fast and real-time technology available to everyone.
2. Job search
Several companies in the US and Europe are leveraging social media sites to recruit competent employees. On the other hand, job seekers take advantage of these sites to post their resume and credentials. It is a great tool that can be used to make a good impression on a business. If you are applying for a computer related job, it would be great to keep a personal profile.
3. Emergency
Have you heard of several thousand people saved using social networking sites? Twitter has been a great tool for many to convey messages to thousands of concerned citizens in an instant in times of tragedy and natural calamities. People looking for fundraisers and donations can use the Facebook or MySpace sites to call generous people.
Many people consider these sites as the work of the devil. Could be. However, one must realize that anything can become good or bad depending on the intentions of the person. Social media sites have shaped our world whether we like it or not, and they will become an essential tool if used for good purposes.