Added: 10/14/2005 |
Network Social Groups Fill a Need? Or Do They?The online social network is made up of a myriad of social groups: pen pals, mail-order marriages, online matchmaking, travel companions and more. The list goes on an on. Social networks fill a need, or obviously so many people wouldn't be searching them out and signing up for their network social services. You have to wonder though, shouldn't network social contacts be free? Shouldn't an online social network exist that just provides a service to users that don't have to pay? If they exist I have yet to find one.
On second thought, instant messaging services are free. At least the big ones like ICQ are. And within the cyber-confines of instant messaging, a person is free to make all the network social contacts they can handle. You never really know who you're talking to on the other end. That may be wide cyber-sex can leave a person filling so unfulfilled. On the other hand, an online social network that involves specific subject matter - jobs and employment, for example - can lead to bigger and better things. Here you've got a network social group with serious interests. And as anyone who has ever looked for a job knows, the more people you network with, the better your chances are of finding the job that suits you.
Not every online network social contact has to do with sex. I wonder, what it is about the human psychology that makes a person subconsciously click into overtime when the word online social network is mentioned. Granted, if my wife whispered that in my ear while we're standing in an elevator, I may not take that as an invitation to have sex. But certainly the terms "on-line," "social" and "matchmaking' get me thinking about a lot more than links to employment services.
I've played around with various forms of online social networks and invariably the conversation leads to sex. I can't figure it out. I don't think it's me. Ok, maybe it is me. But I've noticed that in record time most conversations get riddled with sexual innuendo and the next thing you know you're being asked to exchange photos. This is especially surprising when I'm on the message boards or instant messaging that has nothing to do with sex. It's like that game "7 degrees of Kevin Bacon." How quickly can you relate a person to person who knew Kevin Bacon. I can be talking about bicycles and wouldn't you know it, the conversation goes from changing gears to changing spouses.
Which is why network social groups do have a downside to them. Like anything cyber-related, the computer and its online social networks can be addicting. That person on the other end -- do you really know who it is? That mysterious female who seems so accommodating to every desire you type on the keyboard - is it really a female at all? Or some 300 pound ex-bouncer trying to get in touch with his feminine side? Who knows for sure?
Which is all the more reason to scrutinize your network social contact practices. Online social networks can be very rewarding: the network can provide important contacts, friendships, and an avenue to share ideas. Even an opportunity for growth. Just be careful what you wish for.
Article comments:
No comments for this article yet. Post your comment now!
