Published: August 28, 2009 08:49 am      

Social networking takes new shape since inception

The term social networking took new meaning to me about four years ago.

I was a sophomore at Southwestern Community College and my future wife approached me about a new, hip Web site, called Facebook. The site had grabbed the attention of colleges nationwide, but had yet to filter in the community college, high school or working class ranks.

After questions of how this would benefit me and how much it would cost, Christina and I created a fake Northwest e-mail account (since universities and four-year colleges were the only ones allowed on the site at the time, we had to fabricate some information) and I became a fixture on the World Wide Web.

During the first week of creating my profile I added close friends, high school acquaintances and other people who I added simply to snoop on. Before all this happened, I still thought social networking required a handshake, handwritten notes and actually talking to someone either face-to-face or on the phone. What a waste of time that used to be.

Now I could keep up with people I hadn’t seen or talked to since grade school break off countless relationships, record a 7 out of 10 on quizzes involving favorite cartoon characters of the 1990s and determine what character off “The Office” they most resemble. I was in heaven.

Before many of the adults scoff at my Facebook pleasure, you may want to look at your generation.

Although my age group skyrocketed Facebook, Twitter and other social network’s popularity, a new study finds a fresh faction leading the way on these sites.

According to a Forrester report, people over the age of 34 are now the largest segment of social network sites and the amount is growing. During the past year, participation by people more than 34 years old increased 60 percent.

The report also cites people in the 35 to 54 year-old age group as joiners and creators, while adults over 55 will likely be spectators.

What does this mean? For people in my generation and younger — increased opportunities and trouble.

Employers and influential members of the community are located on social networks. This gives my generation an opening in finding jobs and getting involved in the community. Many businesses and community organizations have fan pages and profiles on Facebook and Twitter, and the added exposure allows for more attention for job openings, events and volunteer work.

Having an employer available through these avenues helps recent college and high school graduates in a time when job prospects could be limited. For people with jobs, the added amount of users gives people increased chances at keeping up with old classmates, colleagues and teachers.

Despite the good aspects of these sites, problems can arise. During college, some students partake in excess partying or at least portray themselves as such on Facebook. Although certain privacy filters can ward off the evil employer from finding these facts (although new reports indicate that new software is being developed to bypass those safeguards), job outlooks could be diminished before the interview even starts if multiple altercations with 12-ounce cans float aimlessly on the web.

Some students 21 years old or older may argue against the scrutiny associated with posting photos of a legal activity online. They may have a point. But if you’re not 21 or in high school, don’t put those pictures on the web. Posting those pictures can only lead to trouble, so if you have those images, keep them locked away from a place easily accessible by teachers and parents.

These sites have increased a lot since I started my social networking trek four years ago. In college, many teachers downplayed the role of these sites. Now, with the advent of people in their 30s, 40s and 50s joining these sites, hopefully that attitude has changed, and maybe they’ll help find a way to better utilize these tools for education.



Scott Levine is the Associate Editor of the Clinton Herald. He can be reached at scottlevine@clintonherald.com.