#4 Social Networking

Social networking is an easily defined notion, simply referring to the combination of both phrases of 'social' and 'networking', by using internet-based social media platforms to create connections with friends, family, business clients and even strangers. Social networking has demonstrated as a versatile model of communication for various purposes, such as social engagement, business networking, marketing promotions, staying up-to-date with news media and an endless exchange of sharing ideas and knowledge. As of 2017, countless platforms of social networking exist via cyberspace, however statistical analysis from April 2017 reveals Australia's most used sites include; Facebook, YouTube, WordPress, Instagram, Snapchat and LinkedIn, (Social Media News, 2017).

(Image source: Xcluesive, 2017)

Data below highlights this heirachy and displays the correlating active number of Australian users:

(Source: Social Media News, 2017)

Furthermore, Facebook’s recent data shows there are now 17 million active Australians on Facebook, thus meaning approximately 70% of the total Australian population is an active Facebook user.

Approximately:

• 7 in 10 Australians use Facebook

• 1 in 2 Australians use Facebook on a daily basis

• 1 in 2 Australians use YouTube

• 1 in 5 Australians use Instagram

• 1 in 6 Australians use Snapchat

(Source: Australian Sensis, 2017).

This extensive use of social networking across the nation demonstrates the immense power and influence it embodies, and the importance of its existence in modern society driven by the online community and technological advances. With such great power, comes greater responsibility, relating especially to its users with an obligation to uphold ethical and socially acceptable conduct. Personally, my greatest regret within the realm of social networking was in the past posting to much personal information and details such as my mobile number, then unknowingly allowing myself to become a vulnerable target for identity theft and 'cat fishing', when someone else used my photos to create a fake online identity. Another downside of my experience with social media is allowing myself to constantly waste time and procrastinate through scrolling mindlessly, when I should be prioritising study or sleep.

Despite these adversative effects, I admire the ability of social networking to create relationships and connections that have allowed me to form friendships surpassing the realm of online and into real life, as well as providing me career opportunities as I aim to pursue a job within the field of social media marketing. Furthermore, the platform allows me to express my creative ideas to thousands of followers through my personal blog in which I regularly post about travel, lifestyle and fashion.

I cannot wait to see how social networking develops in the years to come, and the abilities and opportunities it will provide society in the future.

References:

Cowling, D. (2017). Social Media Statistics Australia – April 2017. [online] Social Media News. Available at: https://www.socialmedianews.com.au/social-media-statistics-australia-april-2017/ [Accessed 6 Aug. 2017].

Sensis Australia. (2017). Sensis Social Media Report. [online] Available at: https://www.sensis.com.au/about/our-reports/sensis-social-media-report [Accessed 6 Aug. 2017].