Social networking is something which polarises opinion.
Individuals with a passion for online interaction revel in it, online marketers thrive on it and the majority of employers despair of the impact it can have on employee productivity.
It cannot however be doubted that websites such as Facebook and Twitter are developing absolutely gigantic presence online and in the face of their growing popularity and the comfort users are developing with medium: the manner in which they are used is constantly transforming and diversifying.
Although the most common form of interaction on Facebook is communication with friends: as has always been the case, additional uses have become apparent.
The 'events' function is a very popular means of inviting people to an event whilst businesses and organisations now use 'pages' and 'groups' to interact with customers and interested parties.
In the light of recent crises however some users have found another, more philanthropic use for the website.
The disaster in Haiti shook the world.
In response to this tragedy, thousands if not millions looked to offer their support to victims and generally help out in whatever way they could.
Facebook and other social networking websites availed themselves as the ideal medium for the extremely rapid creation of an online community and helped to co-ordinate people from across the globe in trying to achieve the singular aim of providing aid.
This pulling together using social networking is in the process of happening again in the face of the disruption caused to international travel caused by the volcanic ash cloud.
Facebook pages such as 'The Volcanic Ash Cloud!' have developed into places where local information is shared and true community spirit is rife in trying to help those stranded by the air travel restrictions.
Twitter has also played a major part in rapid information sharing, with many airlines, travel operators and even airports using the website to share news and advice on an as it happens basis.
As many other websites succumb to downtime as a result of overcapacity, social networks have proven to be reliable forms of communication for those desperately searching for news.
Social networking by its very nature is sculpted by the interaction of its users, it is essentially a conduit for the dissemination of a message and changing trends relatively accurately demonstrate the way in which people view the medium.
It could be legitimately asserted that websites such as Facebook and Twitter do not only lend themselves to procrastination, but also legitimate sharing and discussion.
Individuals with a passion for online interaction revel in it, online marketers thrive on it and the majority of employers despair of the impact it can have on employee productivity.
It cannot however be doubted that websites such as Facebook and Twitter are developing absolutely gigantic presence online and in the face of their growing popularity and the comfort users are developing with medium: the manner in which they are used is constantly transforming and diversifying.
Although the most common form of interaction on Facebook is communication with friends: as has always been the case, additional uses have become apparent.
The 'events' function is a very popular means of inviting people to an event whilst businesses and organisations now use 'pages' and 'groups' to interact with customers and interested parties.
In the light of recent crises however some users have found another, more philanthropic use for the website.
The disaster in Haiti shook the world.
In response to this tragedy, thousands if not millions looked to offer their support to victims and generally help out in whatever way they could.
Facebook and other social networking websites availed themselves as the ideal medium for the extremely rapid creation of an online community and helped to co-ordinate people from across the globe in trying to achieve the singular aim of providing aid.
This pulling together using social networking is in the process of happening again in the face of the disruption caused to international travel caused by the volcanic ash cloud.
Facebook pages such as 'The Volcanic Ash Cloud!' have developed into places where local information is shared and true community spirit is rife in trying to help those stranded by the air travel restrictions.
Twitter has also played a major part in rapid information sharing, with many airlines, travel operators and even airports using the website to share news and advice on an as it happens basis.
As many other websites succumb to downtime as a result of overcapacity, social networks have proven to be reliable forms of communication for those desperately searching for news.
Social networking by its very nature is sculpted by the interaction of its users, it is essentially a conduit for the dissemination of a message and changing trends relatively accurately demonstrate the way in which people view the medium.
It could be legitimately asserted that websites such as Facebook and Twitter do not only lend themselves to procrastination, but also legitimate sharing and discussion.
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