Social Networking

Stemming from the launch of Web 2.0, microblogging has taken over in more ways than one. It has since then gradually evolved into the popular platforms most of us use today, such as Facebook or Twitter. Microblogging turning into social media has delivered many positive aspects to our relationships. With this, anyone can stay updated on the latest news with whoever they choose, like friends, family, celebrities, and so on. Clive Thompson of the NY Times writes that social scientists have come up with a term for this called “ambient awareness”, which means staying updated by status is very much like being physically near those who you wish to connect with. Social networking doesn't have to be exclusive to keeping in touch with friends. Frank Langfitt of NPR wrote an article about LinkedIn, a professional niche in social networking. Recruiters can use keywords to search for professionals who they may need to hire to fill specialized positions. The profiles allow them to sort through and pre-screen potential applicants. By doing this, firms and organizations save lots of time in the recruiting process.

The question many researches are asking today is whether this new form of staying “in-touch” with people creates more of a positive or negative social environment. Some say that the imbalance of electronic and face-to-face communication presents a challenge to those who avoid face-to-face. According to Professor Parker, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Alabama, it may inhibit the development of functional communication skills needed as an adult. Hillary Stout of the NY Times writes that researchers are now working towards making a more concrete claim on how the developmental process may be effected from this imbalance. Stout questions whether or not “today’s youths may be missing out on experiences that help them develop empathy.” We will have to leave it up to the researchers to obtain feasible evidence to determine whether these trends are inhibiting physical social growth…or not.