June 23, 2008
Online Social Networking
written by Steven Barrymore

I have dabbled in online social networking. I have failed at online social networking. I do understand that each online social networking site is a ‘community’ of like-minded people. There is an etiquette to online social networking, of which I bungled on one popular site. Not a big bungle, but I am a better online social networker for it.

My View

Online social networking can bring people together in a virtual environment that eases the uneasiness of a personal social gathering. Detached, yet looking for an attachment on a non-physical level. The only real physical social interaction is with the computer or ‘smart phone’ device used to social network.

For some this is supplemental social networking. Virtual interactions, and physical social interactions. Like having keyboard pals (pen pals of years past).

If I Could Be a Social Networker

What type of social networker would I be? There is such a wide array of online social networking sites. Article submission, personal profile sites, video, Short Messaging Service (SMS) networks, blogging.

For me blogging works. Creative, challenging, and I feel I have developed a social resource which is of benefit to the readers.

While I was working on BlockQuoteProducts.com – a T-Shirt and Other Gear Line based around social networking and social snippets.

I came across OnGuardOnline.gov while doing research on the net. This site lists resources for online social networking, and to help guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information. Below is a ‘snippet’ of an article I found on this site relating to Kid Safe Social Networking. I trust it is helpful.

Social Networking Sites: A Parent’s Guide
Quick Facts

While social networking sites can increase a person’s circle of friends, they also can increase exposure to people with less than friendly intentions. Here are tips for helping your kids use social networking sites safely:

• Help your kids understand what information should be private.
• Explain that kids should post only information that you – and they – are comfortable with others seeing.
• Use privacy settings to restrict who can access and post on your child’s website.
• Remind your kids that once they post information online, they can’t take it back.
• Talk to your kids about avoiding sex talk online.
• Tell your kids to trust their gut if they have suspicions. If they ever feel uncomfortable or threatened by anything online, encourage them to tell you.

Reprinted from OnGuardOnline.gov – visit OnGuardOnline for the full article.

Copyright 2008 Steven Barrymore. Being of Life — the Blog. All rights reserved worldwide. This article and /or pictures may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission from the author Steven Barrymore. View the magical photographic print collection from Steven Barrymore at Images Magical http://www.imagesmagical.com/