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Social networking service

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Social networking services are digital platforms that enable the creation and maintenance of social relationships online. These services come in a variety of formats and offer different features, ranging from sharing digital content to creating global links. They serve multiple purposes, including socializing, professional networking, and navigating social connections. The growth of these services has been impressive, impacting societies worldwide by fostering global communication and influencing various aspects of daily life. As technology[1] evolves, so do social networking services, with a shift towards mobile accessibility and real-time web services. They have found application in various fields, from business to education, promoting collaboration, learning, and professional networking. Despite their wide use, issues such as privacy[2] and misuse of personal information remain a concern, necessitating the implementation of regulations and investigations.

Terms definitions
1. ↑ technology. Technology, derived from the Greek words meaning craft and knowledge, is a broad term that refers to the tools, machines, and systems developed by humans to solve problems or fulfill objectives. Originating with primitive tools like stone axes and the discovery of fire, technology has evolved significantly throughout human history. It has been instrumental in different eras, from the invention of the wheel and advanced irrigation systems in ancient civilizations to the birth of universities and printing press during the medieval and Renaissance periods. The Industrial Revolution in the 18th century marked a significant shift in mass production and innovation, giving rise to modern technologies like electricity, automobiles, and digital communication platforms. Today, technology is integral to various aspects of life and society, driving economic growth and societal change, while also raising concerns about security, privacy, and environmental impacts. The future of technology is expected to bring even more advancements, with the rise of artificial intelligence predicted to have significant implications for the job market.
2. ↑ privacy. Privacy is a fundamental concept that has evolved throughout history and continues to shape our societal discourse. Historically, it stemmed from philosophical debates, with figures like Aristotle and John Locke laying the groundwork. Privacy also entwines with legal and ethical issues, as seen in landmark Supreme Court cases and revelations like those from Edward Snowden. Technological advancements have both challenged and enhanced privacy, introducing new threats and protective measures. Globally, privacy standards vary, with different countries and international organizations setting their guidelines. In today's digital age, privacy faces new challenges and considerations, such as social media use, selfie culture, and location-based services. This concept encompasses an individual's right to keep their personal information secret and free from unsanctioned intrusion.
Social networking service (Wikipedia)
This article is about the type of service. For the social science theoretical concept of relationships between people, see Social network. For a list of services, see List of social networking services.

A social networking service or SNS (sometimes called a social networking site) is a type of online social media platform which people use to build social networks or social relationships with other people who share similar personal or career content, interests, activities, backgrounds or real-life connections.

Illustrations showing various icons of some popular social networking services

Social networking services vary in format and the number of features. They can incorporate a range of new information and communication tools, operating on desktops and on laptops, on mobile devices such as tablet computers and smartphones. This may feature digital photo/video/sharing and diary entries online (blogging). Online community services are sometimes considered social-network services by developers and users, though in a broader sense, a social-network service usually provides an individual-centered service whereas online community services are groups centered. Generally defined as "websites that facilitate the building of a network of contacts in order to exchange various types of content online," social networking sites provide a space for interaction to continue beyond in-person interactions. These computer mediated interactions link members of various networks and may help to create, sustain and develop new social and professional relationships.

Social networking sites allow users to share ideas, digital photos and videos, posts, and to inform others about online or real-world activities and events with people within their social network. While in-person social networking – such as gathering in a village market to talk about events – has existed since the earliest development of towns, the web enables people to connect with others who live in different locations across the globe (dependent on access to an Internet connection to do so). Depending on the platform, members may be able to contact any other member. In other cases, members can contact anyone they have a connection to, and subsequently anyone that contact has a connection to, and so on. The success of social networking services can be seen in their dominance in society today, with X (formerly Twitter) being referred to as "world town square"[by whom?] that offers its users a real-time activity, like contacting anyone including friends, sharing images, videos and texts in form of "tweets". Facebook having a massive 2.13 billion active monthly users and an average of 1.4 billion daily active users in 2017. LinkedIn, a career-oriented social-networking service, generally requires that a member personally know another member in real life before they contact them online. Some services require members to have a preexisting connection to contact other members. With COVID-19, Zoom, a videoconferencing platform, has taken an integral place to connect people located around the world and facilitate many online environments such as school, university, work and government meetings.

The main types of social networking services contain category places (such as age or occupation or religion), means to connect with friends (usually with self-description pages), and a recommendation system linked to trust. One can categorize social-network services into four types:

  • socialization social network services used primarily for socializing with existing friends or users (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X)
  • online social networks are decentralized and distributed computer networks where users communicate with each other through Internet services.
  • networking social network services used primarily for non-social interpersonal communication (e.g., LinkedIn, a career- and employment-oriented site)
  • social navigation social network services used primarily for helping users to find specific information or resources (e.g., Goodreads for books, Reddit)

There have been attempts to standardize these services to avoid the need to duplicate entries of friends and interests (see the FOAF standard). A study reveals that India recorded world's largest growth in terms of social media users in 2013. A 2013 survey found that 73% of U.S. adults use social-networking sites.

Alternative Meanings:
  • Social networking service
    Social networking services are online platforms designed to foster social interaction beyond physical boundaries. These services come in various formats, with diverse features that allow users to share ideas, images, videos, and events. They are categorized into different types including platforms for socialization, online social networks, non-social communication networks, social navigation, and those that aim to standardize services. The growth and impact of these services have been significant; for instance, there was a notable increase in social media users in India in 2013, and 73% of U.S. adults utilized social-networking sites in the same year. The power of social media lies in its ability to connect people based on shared interests, fostering cooperation and altruism. Furthermore, these platforms have greatly influenced various aspects of society including employment, news consumption, purchasing decisions, and mental health. Emerging trends in the field include real-time web, location-based services, business-tech integration, and niche networks. Social networking services are also being used in professional and educational contexts, providing a platform for knowledge sharing and fostering online social connectedness and well-being.
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