SOCIAL NETWORKING SERVICE

A social networking service (also social networking site or social media) is an online platform which
people use to build social networks or social relationships with other people who share similar personal or
career interests, activities, backgrounds or real-life connections.
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 in their network.
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.

As socially inclined creatures, human beings have embraced technology that connects us with others.
People have always been looking for ways to connect and network with each other. And, in this age of
digitisation, people have found ways to be socially active on the internet, which is possible with the advent
of the numerous social networking platforms and apps.
Every year, there is an increasing number of people signing up for and using social media. In 2019, there
were around 2.77 billion people using social media. And, with smartphones and internet connectivity
becoming cheaper and easier to access, we should expect to see these numbers grow even higher. By
2021, more than 3 billion people will be using social media.
The most popular platform f social media are:
1. FACEBOOK
Facebook is currently the largest social media site in the world. With 2,6 billion monthly active users as of
2020, it’s safe to say that nearly every social media user is on Facebook.
2. INSTAGRAM
Instagram is one of the fastest-growing social networking platforms (1 billion monthly active users).
Instagram is a highly visual platform, where users share videos and images.
3. TWITTER
Twitter is a platform that lets users stay on top of trending topics and engage in relevant conversations. In
2019, the platform had over 330 million monthly active users. While it doesn’t have as many users as other
top social media sites, it does have a highly engaged user base. Twitter users send out at least 500 million
tweets per day on average.
4. TUMBLR
Tumblr is another leading social media site. Users can join communities and participate in cultural dialogues
to expand their ideas. It’s one of the top social media sites for self-expression and is very popular among
teens and fandoms. In February 2020, there were a total of 321 million unique visitors to the website.
5. LINKEDLN
LinkedIn is a social media site for professionals and is very popular among a B2B audience. The platform has
grown rapidly over the years and currently has 690 million members. Members can expand their
professional connections on the platform, showcase their portfolios, and search and apply for jobs.
6. WHATSAPP
WhatsApp is a messaging app that lets users share text messages, images, voice notes, audio files,
documents, and videos. It has grown exponentially over the years and had about 2 billion monthly users as
of March 2020. Along with its growing user base, the platform has also introduced many new features to
make interactions easier among users.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF SOCIAL NETWORKS

When you register on a social network, you can immediately enjoy a number of advantages. The most
important of them are the following:
 The possibility of unlimited communication with other users
People are given the possibility to constantly contact other users from any place in the world. These services can be used at any time
of the day and absolutely free of charge.
  A simple and easy way of communication
All you have to do is enter a social network on your smartphone or laptop to start the process of communication.

 Real-time access to news and important information

You can get easily the latest news and information of what is going on in the world. These web services also enable you to join
various interest groups and communities. It is very easy to set up the latest news in the system and to find important pieces if
information that can always meet the user´s needs.
 New opportunities for doing and developing business
Business owners can actively advertise their products and other services on social networks. With the help of networks, you can
quickly and easily get in touch with potential customers to clarify a number of important details.
 A common satisfactions
Whenever you visit a social network, you get a unique experience. Sharing photos and videos, getting likes and comments in the
posts produces positive emotions.

Alongside numerous advantages, each social network has its disadvantages. Among these are the
following:
 A lot of information
The more friends you have in your profile, the more downloaded your profile is. All the contacts may often contain plenty of useless
and unimportant information which is not interesting to anybody.
 Bullying, cyber-bullying and social pressure
In many cases, user´s private information can be used to bully a person. There are plenty of cases, when children suffering from
criticism and harsh sarcasm and having no support around them, committed suicide.
 Lack of face-to-face communication
Virtual communication causes that people have completely lost the desire to meet each other in real life. It is much easier for them
to simply open their profile with a single click and share their news and emotions online.
 A dangerous distraction from business
Many people can no longer imagine their life without social networks, being completely immersed in the newsfeed and at the same
time distracted from important events.
 Health problems
Spending too much time in front of a computer or smartphone negatively affects the musculoskeletal system. Artificial screen light is
also very harmful for your eyes and makes you sleep worse.
 Confidentiality risks
If you have a weak security system, your information (publications, photos or even personal correspondence) can be easily accessed
by cybercriminals and used for various blackmail purposes.