Running smooth…

Since being forced (LOL) to explore SNS my perception and attitude has totally changed. I understand how important and valuable such a service can be. The media has a way of scaring people away from SNS, with horror stories of people being irresponsible and creating fake accounts. Luckily, I haven’t seen anything like that on Facebook.

Whenever I started searching through all of the various SNS I was bombarded with invitations. Although, whenever I explored each of them nothing compared to Facebook. I haven’t seen many unwanted banners/ads and nobody is cyber bullying. People constantly misrepresent the internet so it scares people away from fun services especially SNS. Unfortunately, we live in a society that fears what it doesn’t understand.

Facebook is trying diligently to make their service part of your daily living via phone, web and Windows. MySpace is transforming to a SNS for musicians and the advertising is overwhelming. I’m pleased by their effort to make Facebook a pleasant experience and easily accessible. I’ve noticed that Facebook would be a Marketing Director’s dream come true! You can practically eavesdrop on the consumer and design your product to fit the consumer. Facebook realizes that cultures change and they need to stay with the pack.

I’ve always worried about face to face communication being eliminated, but I don’t see any website being able to replace that. So many reputable people are using Facebook so it seems like a good community to be apart of. I was shocked when I learned that Presidents, businesses, and government agencies all use Facebook.  My view on Facebook has changed to a positive light and I view this tool as something used primarily for professional networking. You can build a relationship that mirrors those in real life except its digital. I think it’s great a service can bring together neighbors and community members. So many of my friends are exchanging their favorite music and it gives me a small insight into their current life and how they live in society.

All of this is made by a simple profile and you can exposure yourself to a world that doesn’t even know you exist. Facebook is built around different groups and many networks that connect people. Most users I know enjoy posting on profile walls and allow people to view the comments left. (Sketch Me is my favorite app they offer) My friends all share photos of their children or anything important to them. They really open themselves up for criticism, but I’m still slightly private. I enjoy not having to go between different websites to read blogs and profile pages, Facebook makes one stop shopping. Something familiar to me for showing photos was a website called Flickr and I was pleased to learn that Facebook recommends them! Everyone utilizes their services, because they’re so user-friendly and fun to use.  Unfortunately, I don’t have enough time to visit profiles everyday so I view the news feeds and it keeps me updated. When it comes to SNS Facebook tops the list in my opinion. I no longer view the site as something shady or risky, because I realize just like anything else you determine how you’ll use it. Remember punctuation and grammar rules do not apply!

A few complaints…

A feature that I’m searching for on Facebook allows users to display information to specific groups. Maybe a professional/personal switch or a user block that you can adjust. I’ve found several classmates and I think it would be nice if we could all engage in a chat sesson, but I don’t think Facebook offers that feature either! I have no interest in being tagged in user photos. Facebook should give you the option to no participate.

So far I’ve noticed so many politicians using Facebook. Many corporations are using Facebook for marketing and advertising to the younger generations.

One thing that I’ve noticed when comparing different SNS is the simplistic style Facebook offers. Users don’t have near as much clutter or spam as the other SNS. I’ve noticed Facebook offers many more tools and options that the completion does not offer. I’m surprised by how many people use the service for professional networking and not necessarily friends or family. Facebook seems to be booming while MySpace is declining and they started this trend! People including myself underestimated the power of SNS, because these sites can be so beneficial professionally.

Everyone please check out my portfolio at…

https://sites.google.com/site/644portfolioproject/

I’ve worked extremely hard and I believe this is a nice representation of my creations from this semester.

Good Luck!

Just praising Facebook..

One feature that I particularly enjoy on Facebook is the option to import stories from other websites. I can let my Google Reader connect with my Facebook and they can communicate.  This would make it easier to share stories and information. You can use so many different applications with Facebook which is great! I love it when people write on my Facebook wall and comment on my page. I’m really impressed by the different privacy features that Facebook offers. You can literally block certain users and they can never find you online again.

So a few weeks ago I expressed no interest in developing a “stupid” MySpace page, well I changed my mind! I love checking messages and responding to the people that I remember making a strong impact on my life.  I started to get bored with MySpace and I decided to start surfing around on FaceBook and I liked it even more. Yes, SNS are very addictive but way too much fun to stop! If the White House is embracing SNS shouldn’t every good citizen? I wasn’t aware of all the different privacy options users can access until I started surfing around on my own. You can be just as loud or private as you want to be.  The only major issue I have is the disclaimer about releasing your information to a 3^rd party. I can understand how that might be helpful , but I would also enjoy a little privacy.

Please read this article before reading my comments.

“Elder Bednar cautions against being absorbed in social Web sites”

http://newsnet.byu.edu/story.cfm/72348

Are you serious? Satan is now searching for lost souls on Social Networking Sites? This person is one of the reasons technology has a bad name. He preaches about technology that he hasn’t explored and knows very little about. Then people listen and become fearful about something they know very little about. Why is society always fearful about moving forward? Why do people always believe advancing and upgrading technology is Satan’s work? The relationships we develop with individuals on SNS are just as strong as those p2p bonds we create. Of course, he has a disclaimer that all technology isn’t bad, but he’s scared the members of the congregation by this point.

Here is a great application that I want to share with all of you. I’ve been using Google Apps for my classes and everyone loves it. One application gives you access to email, chats, maps, and documents. Unlike other applications this is free and accessible anywhere. With Google Apps you can edit files, and coordinate homework for students. Of course, you’ll use Google maps, scholar, blogger, email, mobile, calendar and groups. For my WBT’s I’ve been using Webcams they make chat sessions a lot more personable and enhance the experience. A wiki is another great tool all students enjoy using for expressing their feelings or evaluating me.

Technology is constantly changing our culture for the better, regardless if you wish to believe that or not. Advanced technology has improved the learning experience for both the learner and teacher. Chats or any communication is very important in learning they defiantly enhance class. It gives students and teachers more social interaction with everybody at once. Chat sessions feel like everyone is physically in a classroom together, but luckily we can communicate from anywhere. We receive responses and feedback instantaneously to questions which really helps.

Social Networking Sites are quickly becoming the greatest thing since the internet was made public.  People are addicted to Twitter, Facebook, and Yammer just to name a few. My employer recently named Yammer our official networking site. I’m just amazed by all of the different generations that love this stuff. I’ve finally realized that our culture is changing and people love adopting the latest technology. Of course the rural areas and older generation might be a little slower but they will eventually catch on.  It scares me to think how technology driven society has become and face to face communication may soon be a thing of the past.