Benefits to participate in Social Networking Sites!

The Internet generally and the social networking sites (SNS) particularly can be a positive influence to individuals. There is the opportunity for individuals to express themselves in their own ways. They are also a meeting place for all to interact with other individuals, to participate, to communicate and to share mutual interests with other like minded – people. SNS also can offer the possibility for individuals to collect information such as in business, academics, lifestyle etc. Technology is the main factor for lifestyle changes and changes in consumer behavior. SNS can be helpful but also dangerous. In this small article I would like only the benefits tomorrow I will try to present some of the dangers.

The common answer is why to join to a social networking site?

Because

(1). You can practice Social Skills – SNSs can promote the socialization of individuals and can help in the development of self identity that is accepted by peers. Through the features and applications of SNSs users can better express their feelings and moods. By using a large number of digital applications users are encouraged to make new friends and to create a larger network of friends. SNSs provide the opportunity to users to add comments under posts, this feature promotes the development of conversation.

(2). You can define / guide Social Interactions – SNSs to help members to meet other like – minded people, social networking sites support areas that focus on subjects of interest. Also chat application can help user to participate in a large number of discussions on an equally diverse number of topics. These more narrow groups help individuals to connect with similar individuals, helping provide a sense of belonging and support they may not feel in their own job, university, offline communities etc.

(3). You can create a private social space – Having a place to go with just friends give users a place to visit and explore, helping them develop independence.

(4). You can experimenting with identities – The anonymous nature of the social networking sites allows users the opportunity to escape stereotypes and images that have been labeled in their offline environment (job, university, school, clubs etc). In SNSs exist the opportunity to create an online identity and to socialize with like minded people from all over the world.

(Part 1 from 3)

Stoikos Elias