Social Networks An Introduction
Because their introduction, social network internet sites (SNSs) such as MySpace, Facebook, Cyworld, and Bebo have attracted millions of users, many of whom have integrated these web sites into their daily practices. As of this writing, there are hundreds of SNSs, with numerous technological affordances, supporting a wide range of interests and practices. Although their key technological features are fairly consistent, the cultures that emerge around SNSs are varied. Most websites support the maintenance of pre-existing social networks, but others aid strangers connect based on shared interests, political views, or activities. Some internet sites cater to diverse audiences, while others attract folks based on typical language or shared racial, sexual, religious, or nationality-based identities. Sites also vary in the extent to which they incorporate new data and communication tools, such as mobile connectivity, blogging, and photo/video-sharing.
The Early Years
According to the definition above, the first recognizable social network internet site launched in 1997. SixDegrees.com allowed users to produce profiles, list their Pals and, beginning in 1998, surf the Pals lists. Each of these features existed in some form just before SixDegrees, of course. Profiles existed on most key dating websites and a lot of community web sites. AIM and ICQ buddy lists supported lists of Buddies, although those Friends had been not visible to others. Classmates.com allowed men and women to affiliate with their high school or college and surf the network for other people who had been also affiliated, but users could not produce profiles or list Pals until years later. SixDegrees was the 1st to combine these features.
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