Blog Social Networking

 Social media has been one of the most innovative and disruptive forms of media in the 21st century and has found its way into nearly every aspect of our lives. From business to leisure, social media has a definitive presence. Even in very professional and corporate work environments, social media is used for many reasons. In fact, there are even social media apps like linkedin that is designed for people to find companies and vice versa! In the article, "Social Networking Technology Boosts Job Recruiting" a recruiter from a global company is quoted saying, "Social networking technology is absolutely the best thing to happen to recruiting-ever." That is quite a statement! Social media is allowing massive amounts of information of individuals and companies alike to be readily available. This allows both parties to have a good understanding of the other before the first interview even begins and has created a more efficient and effective work environment. Though this is interesting, I believe that social medias biggest impact has without a doubt been in the field of marketing. Social media has allowed companies to market themselves directly to the masses while simultaneously saving millions of dollars. We see advertisements all the time on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook just to name a few. Not only are we being bombarded by these advertisements, but social media has made it possible to understand consumer behavior like never before, making us easy targets for these big companies. In the article, "Identifying User Behavior in Online Social Networks" the authors explain how algorithms and other technologies are used to track and learn behaviors. These behaviors are literally sold to the highest bidder and therefore are used to market products and services. This fact is often seen in a negative light as it seems to invade our privacy, however it can also be used for our own good. Social media has given rise to numerous self starting entrepreneurs since anyone can now market themselves. Whether it be in music, business, or sports social media has given the chance for anyone to become famous or successful. Weighing the benefits and downfalls of social media is really all about perspective. It is certainly beneficial for companies and individuals who wish to market themselves. However, a very real and negative effect of social media has been the breach of privacy we have had to endure. This breach of privacy ranges everywhere from personal photos to financial breaches that can cause great harm to many people. I think the aftermath of this breach of privacy will change social media going forward. I think the future of social media will hold more privacy options since the backlash has been quite severe. Social media will always be evolving and growing and one day I think we will have maybe as few as just one social media site that is used for everything.