Social Networking Sites

Social Networking Sites (SNS) are online web service, where users create a public or semi-public profile within a bounded system. Users create a list of users (commonly called "friends") with whom they share some connection. Users can travel through their friends and even through the friends of friends. Users share interests and activities with other users whom share in the same interests.

Social Networking Site have many shared features which make for its mass popularity. Users are able to see the lists of other user's friends. When first setting up one's networking site, each users fills out an "about me" section for their profile. This part usually consists of name, location, interests and other things the user. Most sites include a picture to go along with the user's profile. Each user's profile can be set with a varied visibility. The common visibilities are public or private. After signing up, users are able to identify others in the system with whom they has a relationship with. One of the most common features these sites have is to be able to facilitate commenting or messaging system on other users profiles, which makes for most of the communication on these sites. Depending on the different sites, there are many other applications that vary among the sites. Some contain the ability to post and share pictures and videos.


 * Evolution of SNS' [1]



Social networking site directory


 * Return to New Media Mid-Term Study Guide

1. Boyd, Danah. "Social Network Sites: Definition, History, and Scholarship." Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication. Web. 12 Oct. 2009. &lt;http://jcmc.indiana.edu/vol13/issue1/boyd.ellison.html&gt;.