SNS

In their article, Boyde and Ellison define SNS (social networking sites) as "web-based services that allow individuals to construct a public or semi-public profile within a bounded system, yet also articulates a lists of other users whom they share a connection." Basically a SNS gives a user the freedom to create an online persona within the limits of the website it is created. Once this persona is created, the user can connect with other users that have created their own persona thus establishing an online network. These connections have names that accompany their sites such as "friends" on Facebook, "followers" on Twitter and "connections" on LinkedIn.

The tremendous popularity of SNS since the early 2000's is so fascinating since these sites have changed how some people interact, both online and offline. However, a discussion of SNS cannot seem to go on without mentioning Facebook and Twitter since they are the primer SNS at the moment. An interesting feature of these websites are their ability to create what I call a "validation system." I say this because it seems the younger generation has utilized these websites as being more than a means to keep in touch with friends. Going through my news feed on Facebook, I often see a friend post a status or picture saying something along the lines of "LMS (like my status) if..." or "LMP (like my pic) if..." On Twitter, there's a trending topic called #TeamFollowBack in which users encourage strangers to follow their tweets. I think the need for validation really plays into this phenomenon since some users are very focused on receiving attention. It is definitely a strange but interesting trend.