Social networking has taken over the way people communicate on the web. Social networking has made it easier for people to contact each other without using traditional methods. Users choose to engage each other through social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook, which are two of the most popular sites that have changed the way people socialize.

Social networking has made many changes in today’s world, leading people to interact through social networks instead of emailing. These networks have left behind email services that Yahoo and Hotmail provide. People are using emails less and less to communicate with friends and family. Social media networks have brought about a better option and a quicker way to send a message. Users can send messages to their friends’ profiles as quickly as they can send an email. Email service providers have also modified their services in order to compete with social networks. Email accounts are able to handle videos and photos, and have increased storage limits.

Before social networking became popular, email was considered to be the most efficient communication between parties. Emailing provided practically instant access to anyone. With the popularity of social networking it has been easier for companies and marketers to do business online it is easier for users to interact with each other. Social networking sites have a “fun” factor that a typical email account just does not have. Instead of sending an email, you can post a message on your friend’s wall for everyone to see. You can also send a private message or comment on their photos or status.

Social networking provides people with different features that makes networking in social communities interesting. There are news feeds that keep you up to date on what your friends are doing. Social networks give users the ability to customize many features so each person has a unique page.

While social networks are mainly populated with teenagers and young adults, many people prefer the safety, privacy and security of an email account.

Graphical comparison of email services and social networks

This graph shows traffic that is generated through social networks versus email services in the UK from 2005 through 2007.

As you can see, social networking sites generated 4.98% while email services provided 5.17%. This shows that even though people will start using social networking sites, they will maintain their email account. Because there are new ways to interact, email usage will go down. However, email will not go away.

Social networking gives people many options. You can communicate through chat or discussion forums, or by sending private messages. Privacy is maintained in these communities, so users are able to trust that their information is secure. You can adjust your privacy settings so only people you accept can send you comments and messages.

Social networking has led to better and faster interaction, keeping in mind privacy and control. People have been able to make more friends and increase their social circle, as well as establishing their business through these networks. Email does not offer all of these perks, but it will remain a reliable method of communication for people of all ages.

References:

1. Liam Proven,(2007).Social Networking is new but it isn’t news. Retrieved Sept 20^th,2008,from http://www.theinquirer.net/en/inquirer/news/2007/06/30/social-networking-its-new-but-it-isnt-news
2. Terri Wells,(2007).Email as the Social Network the pitfalls. Retrieved Sept 20^th, 2008, from.http://www.seochat.com/c/a/Search-Engine-News/Email-as-Social-Network-the-Pitfalls/3/
3. Kristen Nicole,(2007).Is the inbox next social network. Retrieved Sept 20^th ,2008,fromhttp://mashable.com/2007/11/13/inbox-20-google-yahoo-email-startpage/
4. Joshua Porter ,(2006).Social Networks are killing Email. Retrieved Sept 20^th ,2008 from.http://bokardo.com/archives/social-networks-are-killing-email/
5. http://mashable.com/2007/11/07/uk-social-networks-email-clients/

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