How do social networks "work"?

Social networks have become an intricate part of today's society as they present the world with various ways to connect and communicate with others. Whether it be sending messages, posting what's on your mind, sharing pictures or utilizing the numerous other features, social networks employ different means of enhancing one's relationship with others.

Facebook's true intentions is to "allow for real-life social connections" over the Internet. It is a virtual atmosphere that is "allowing people to share information online the same way they do in the real world.” [1] If one were to make a Facebook account, the first step is to enter an email address followed by designating yourself to a particular network. The networks are based on geographical regions or by your current source of education. By entering a designated zone, you are immediately entrenched in a network with others, thus providing the first steps in helping "students at the same school or nonaffiliated people in a specific locale get to know each other better." [1] Once an account in created, you are able to explore the numerous offerings of the website. "People in that individual user’s network can see that person’s groups, photo albums, pictures of that person tagged by other users, and anything that has been posted to the user’s “Wall,” a public space for messages. A user may employ these tools to emphasize the characteristics that person feels best express his or her nature: that the user is funny, serious, studious, creative, fun-loving, popular, deep, or committed to certain beliefs, ideas, or institutions." [1] It becomes possible to search for individuals that you already know or one's that you share similar interests with to then "friend". Facebook provides other features that allow you to connect with others. In a more specific network type atmosphere, groups can be created by anyone for users to join if they share a common belief or opinion. Groups range in all different respects from, for example, "Detroit Tigers Fans" to a group commending your favorite teacher. There is no limit to the vast topics that the thousands and thousands of available groups hold.

Twitter, another social network, holds traits that make it unique in its own right. Users can post messages that hold the limit of 140 characters for those following them to read. "Users declare the people they are interested in following, in which case they get notified when that person has posted a new message. A user who is being followed by another user does not necessarily have to reciprocate by following them back." [2] Your posts, or "Tweets", as they are referred to, can be aimed at an individual that you are following or simply posted for all of your followers to see. A simple "@" followed by a user's name allows a tweet to be directed at one or more particular users. Twitter allows the user to hold a greater set of control on their account based on its limited uses. The only individuals that appear on a user's home screen are those that the user haas chosen to follow.

[1] Westlake, E.J. "Friend Me If You Facebook". The Drama Review. 52:4, (2008). p. 21-31. Internet.

[2] Huberman, Bernardo A. Social Networks That Matter: Twitter Under the Microscope. Social Computing Lab, HP Laboratories. (2008). p. 1-8. Internet.