Web 2.0 and Social Networking

Web 2.0 is the new advanced version of the internet where users not only obtain information but give their own as well, just like in social networking websites. It is the latest evolution of the Web that enables people to take an interactive part in a particular Web site. This means that they can add all kinds of content to it: video, audio, chat rooms, blogging and instant messages. The Web 2.0 has empowered the Internet user to the highest degree ever. [1] Incredibly popular websites such as Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and blogging sites all allow the users to generate the content within the sites. Web 1.0 provided a platform for developers and the businesses and organizations that hired them to publish information for the general public to view. [2] [Pg. 195]

Before Social networking sites Web 2.0 was rarely used. The only people that used it were companies that required file sharing technologies. [1] Youtube and MySpace really kicked off the move into a Web 2.0 generation.

Social Networking sites are a most different yet popular phenomena on the Web. A social network is usually created by a group of individuals who have a set of common interests and or goals. [3] When a social network is created it’s success is based on the amount of contributors and users are on it. Social Networks and Web 2.0 go hand in hand. The beauty of Web 2.0 fitment to Social Networks is that all the components of Web 2.0 are built for the growth and sustenance of Social Networks. [2] All of these new popular user build and generated websites can tie back to social networking. Wikipedia, is virtually a user generated encyclopedia for anything you can possibly imagine. Anyone can submit anything at any time to add to the vast knowledge within the website, and there are admins that monitor the content for accuracy.

Social Networks also come in many different categories, Social Contact Networks (Facebook), Study Circles (Fledgewing), Social Networks for Specialist Groups like doctors and field workers (LinkedIn), Networks for Fine Art (Buzznet), Police and Military Networks (Database Sharing and Contribution), Sporting Networks (Fantasy Sports), and many others. [3] Social Networks are growing at an immense rate and rightfully so.

Businesses have flourished and taken advantage of these social networking sites. Since most of these websites allow the content that you post public, businesses can obtain what is trending and base their marketing plan on it. [2]Pg 195] They also can see what your likes/dislikes and lifestyle are like before hiring you. Many companies are also implementing these social networking like applications to the workplace so you can get to know your workers better and more efficiently communicate with one another. [2]Pg 195] I know this from personal experience. I work at Lowe’s and about 2 years ago they implemented a new social networking application called “My Lowe’s Life.” The interface is very similar to Facebook and you can interact with any other Lowe’s worker in the nation. You can use it to raise issues in the workplace, or post a status bragging about your stores sales, to even tracking your pay checks and stocks. This application was a very positive addition amongst the employee's at Lowe's.

In conclusion Social Networking and Web 2.0 are one in the same. The popular sites that were brought up such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace etc have paved the way for Web 2.0 to become popular. Everyone seems to be benefiting from these Social Networking sites, especially businesses who have used it to their advantage.

[1] http://www.ecommercetimes.com/story/56576.html
[2] Fundamentals of Information Systems by Ralph Stair and George Reynolds
[3] http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/webservices/library/ws-socialcollab/index.html