How Do Social Networks Work?

Social "networks" have been around since the time of Socrates [1] when Ancient Greeks devised a set of rules and consequences to organize a social structure. One view of this Social Contract Theory (SCT) was proposed by Celeste Friend in 2006:

“the view that persons’ moral and/or political obligations are dependent upon a contract or agreement between them to form society” [2]

As early as the late 1600's, John Locke realized that a social contract and the rules that govern it "can change and be adapted to society..." [3]

Mr. Locke may have never imagined just how far things might change in the 21st century. Social networking today usually means involving the web. Though the means have changed, the basic preset is the same:

A social networking site (SNS) is an Internet site based upon a traditional social network. One can join a SNS and meet friends of friends analogous to going to a friend’s house for a dinner party. Some SNS’s are used to meet new friends or establish romantic relationships while other SNS’s can be used to network among business peers. [4]

Though the rules might take the form of a ToU or Terms of Use agreement and the consequences may be no more severe than getting kicked off Facebook, social networking on the web is very similar to ancient social networking. However, the scope and diversity of social networking today has changed dramatically. You can interact with individuals and groups around the world on virtually anything you have an interest in. The means by which you interact keep increasing as well: MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, email.

As the possibilities increase, so do the complications. Increased exposure can lead to decreased privacy and issues such as identity theft, cyber stalking, cyber bullying, discrimination and persecution. Unfortunately, the justice system hasn't caught up with the technology yet and cyber criminals abound. How will the world's largest social network [3] adapt?

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[1] Kemerling, G. (2002). Socrates. Retrieved July 17, 2006 from: http://www.philosophypages.com/ph/socr.htm

[2] Friend, C. (2006). Social Contract Theory. Retrieved March 12, 2006 from: http://
www.iep.utm.edu/s/soc-cont.htm

[3] Snyder, Johnny/Carpenter, Donald/Slauson, Gayla Jo: MySpace.com. A Social Networking Site and Social Contract Theory. Information Systems Education Journal, 5 (2), 2007.

[4] McDowell, M. (2006). Staying safe on social network sites. Retrieved July 17, 2006 from: http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/ST06-003.html


(Note: I'm unclear on the protocol for citing a reference within another reference. Do you cite them both or just the originating reference?)