Blog Social Networking

 Social Media has become a platform for so many people, groups, and organizations to share information, network, and spread the wealth of knowledge and experience around the world. From an organization or business prospective social media has drastically changed how businesses market, understand consumers, and grow their future. While on an individual level social networking has given so many people the opportunity to stay up to date with world-wide news, friends, and even career related information. It has truly become a world of it's own and consumed the minds of many, especially younger generations. One of the biggest notions about social media is the concept of how open and free it is. In an article by the Chicago Tribune, "Facebook search: Facebook adding search feature" it is noted how Facebook is adding a new search feature which would allow users to reach more people, information, and places in a customization and open format. Ideas like these can have many consequences, at times information people may think is private and within their own circle is now available to millions. Along with that, the concept of freedom without boundaries is somewhat scary. Not knowing details of the individuals accessing your pages and taking screenshots of your information could jeopardize so much one for someone. On the other hand, a piece on NPR titled "Social Networking Technology Boosts Job Recruiting" notes the positive impact of platforms such as LinkedIn. LinkedIn has created an ongoing virtual networking event for individuals with professional jobs in various industries and allows users to share their experience, promotions, and most importantly job opportunities! LinkedIn has given so many people who have been unsure about their career the comfort and opportunity they needed to further grow and expand in their industry. I believe it is safe to say that regardless of the platform social media and networking has become a part of our lifestyle and can have great implications on our lives. It is important to be wary of what we all post, but also take advantage of the limitless knowledge and connections there are to gain from it. The future of social media is uncertain, however the most important topics to be discussed will be user privacy and security of information.