GROUP 1 - THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL NETWORKING PDF

GROUP 1 I. THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL NETWORKING – THEORIES, CONCEPTS, TYPES AND IDEAS Objective: A. Provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the evolution, principles, and various aspects of social networking. Explore History of Social Networking by Ti...

GROUP 1 I. THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL NETWORKING – THEORIES, CONCEPTS, TYPES AND IDEAS Objective: A. Provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the evolution, principles, and various aspects of social networking. Explore History of Social Networking by Timeline and Key People: ▪ 1978 - Bulletin Board Systems (BBS): Ward Christensen and Randy Suess developed the first BBS, a precursor to online social networking. BBS allowed users to exchange messages and files, creating the foundation for virtual communities. ▪ 1980s - Usenet: Jim Ellis and Tom Truscott established Usenet, a distributed discussion system that facilitated online conversations and content sharing among users. ▪ 1994 - Geocities: David Bohnett and John Rezner launched Geocities, one of the first social networking sites. Geocities allowed users to create personal web pages organized by "neighborhoods" based on interests. ▪ 1997 - SixDegrees.com: Andrew Weinreich founded SixDegrees.com, widely recognized as the first modern social networking platform. Users could create profiles, add friends, and navigate their social connections. ▪ 2002 - Friendster: Jonathan Abrams founded Friendster, which popularized the concept of connecting with friends online. The platform gained massive popularity in Asia. ▪ 2003 - LinkedIn: Reid Hoffman, along with several co-founders, launched LinkedIn, a professional networking platform aimed at connecting individuals based on their careers. ▪ 2004 - Facebook: Mark Zuckerberg, along with his college roommates, launched Facebook initially for Harvard students. The platform quickly expanded to other universities and eventually opened to the general public.  ▪ 2005 - YouTube: Three former PayPal employees, Chad Hurley, Steve Chen, and Jawed Karim, founded YouTube, a video-sharing platform that allowed users to upload and share videos. ▪ 2006 - Twitter: Jack Dorsey, Biz Stone, and Evan Williams created Twitter, a microblogging platform where users could share short updates or "tweets." ▪ 2007 - Tumblr: David Karp and Marco Arment launched Tumblr, a microblogging and social networking platform, emphasizing content sharing and multimedia posts. ▪ 2010 - Instagram: Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger introduced Instagram, a photo-sharing platform that rapidly gained popularity for its visual content. ▪ 2011 - Snapchat: Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, and Reggie Brown launched Snapchat, a multimedia messaging app known for its ephemeral content. ▪ 2011 - Google+: Google launched its social networking platform, Google+, to compete with Facebook and offer an integrated experience across its services. ▪ 2016 - TikTok: Zhang Yiming and Alex Zhu co-founded TikTok (originally Douyin) in China. The platform gained global popularity with its short-form video content. ▪ 2021 - Clubhouse: Paul Davison and Rohan Seth launched Clubhouse, an invitation-only audio-based social networking app that gained significant attention. These key milestones in the history of social networking showcase the continuous evolution of digital platforms, connecting people and shaping how we interact, share information, and build relationships in the digital age. The efforts of these visionary individuals and teams have left an indelible mark on the way we connect and communicate today. Development of Social Networking: Social networking has a rich history that evolved alongside advancements in technology and communication. While the concept of social networks can be traced back to ancient human interactions, modern social networking primarily emerged with the advent of the internet. The development of social networking can be broadly categorized into several key stages: ▪ Pre-Internet Era: Social networks have always existed in human societies, whether in the form of tribal connections, family ties, or professional networks. However, these interactions were primarily limited to face-to-face communication and were often geographically confined. ▪ Bulletin Board Systems (BBS): In the 1970s and 1980s, BBS emerged as early forms of online social networks. BBS allowed users to exchange messages and files in a virtual community, paving the way for digital social interactions.  ▪ Early Online Communities: In the 1990s, platforms like Usenet and AOL offered users the ability to participate in online discussion forums and exchange emails, fostering virtual communities centered around shared interests. ▪ SixDegrees.com: Launched in 1997, SixDegrees is considered one of the first modern social networking platforms. It allowed users to create profiles and connect with others, forming the basis of today's social networking sites. ▪ Friendster and MySpace: In the early 2000s, Friendster (2002) and MySpace (2003) gained popularity as social networking platforms, allowing users to connect with friends and customize their profiles. ▪ Facebook and the Social Media Boom: Facebook, founded in 2004, marked a turning point in social networking. Its user-friendly interface, global reach, and focus on real-name identity led to widespread adoption and set the stage for the social media boom. Platforms like Twitter (2006), YouTube (2005), and LinkedIn (2003) further expanded the social media landscape. ▪ Mobile Social Networking: The rise of smartphones and mobile apps revolutionized social networking, making it accessible on the go. Apps like Instagram (2010) and Snapchat (2011) popularized visual content sharing. ▪ Specialized Social Networks: With the increasing user base, specialized social networks emerged, catering to specific interests, hobbies, and professions. Examples include Pinterest (2010) for image sharing and GitHub (2008) for developers. ▪ Current Trends: Modern social networking continues to evolve with features like live streaming, stories, and enhanced privacy settings. Additionally, social networking has become integral to e-commerce and influencer marketing. Theories of Social Networking: Several theories help explain the dynamics and behaviors observed within social networks. Some notable theories include: ▪ Social Network Theory: This theory examines the structure and patterns of relationships within a social network, focusing on the connections between individuals and their impact on information flow and social influence. ▪ Social Capital Theory: Social capital theory explores how social networks create value through trust, cooperation, and shared resources, leading to benefits for individuals and communities. ▪ Strength of Weak Ties: Proposed by Mark Granovetter, this theory suggests that weak ties (loose connections with acquaintances) are more valuable for accessing new information and opportunities than strong ties (close friends or family).  ▪ Dunbar's Number: This theory, based on the work of Robin Dunbar, suggests that there is a cognitive limit to the number of stable relationships an individual can maintain, typically estimated to be around 150. Concepts of Social Networking: Several concepts are fundamental to understanding social networking: ▪ Profiles: User profiles serve as digital identities, providing information about individuals' interests, connections, and activities on the platform. ▪ Connections: Social networking platforms facilitate connections between users, allowing them to establish relationships with friends, followers, or connections. ▪ Sharing: Users can share various types of content, including text, photos, videos, and links, with their network. ▪ Privacy: Privacy settings allow users to control who can view their content and interact with them on the platform. ▪ Engagement: Engagement refers to users' interactions with content, such as liking, commenting, or sharing posts. Types of Social Networking Platforms: Social networking platforms can be categorized based on their primary functions and target audience: ▪ General Social Networks: Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram cater to a broad user base, allowing users to connect with friends, family, and individuals with shared interests. ▪ Professional Networking Platforms: LinkedIn is a prime example of a platform focused on professional networking, connecting individuals based on their careers and industries. ▪ Visual Content Sharing Platforms: Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are centered around visual content, enabling users to share images and videos. ▪ Microblogging Platforms: Twitter is a microblogging platform that allows users to share short updates (tweets) with their followers. ▪ Niche and Interest-Based Networks: These platforms target specific interests or demographics, such as gaming communities, art networks, or music-sharing platforms. Ideas in Social Networking for Social Integration: Social networking for social integration incorporates various ideas and strategies to foster inclusivity and understanding:  ▪ Cultural Exchange: Encouraging users to share their cultural experiences and traditions to promote cross-cultural understanding. ▪ Community Engagement: Building online communities that welcome and support individuals from diverse backgrounds. ▪ Educational Initiatives: Promoting learning and awareness about social issues through content sharing and discussion. ▪ Advocacy and Social Causes: Using social networking platforms to advocate for social causes and mobilize support for marginalized groups. ▪ Inclusive Content: Creating content that represents and includes individuals from various backgrounds, ensuring everyone feels represented. ▪ Dialogue and Empathy: Encouraging open and respectful dialogue to develop empathy and understanding among users. ▪ Multilingual Communication: Facilitating multilingual communication to connect users who speak different languages. The development of social networking has been shaped by technological advancements, enabling users to connect and engage in virtual communities. Social networking theories and concepts help explain the dynamics within these networks, while diverse types of platforms cater to specific functions and audiences. The ideas in social networking for social integration center around building understanding, empathy, and inclusivity, using these platforms to bridge divides and promote positive social change. II. FAKE NEWS AND DISINFORMATION Objectives: a) Discuss the history, development and theories of social networking b) Categorize the concepts of Social Networking. c) Distinguish the Ideas in Social Networking for Social Integration. Explore The work of social networking revolves around creating, maintaining, and fostering connections between individuals and communities through digital platforms and technologies. Social networking platforms serve as virtual spaces where people can interact, share information, and engage with others who have similar interests, backgrounds, or goals. The key aspects of the work of social networking include: 1. Connecting People: Social networking platforms facilitate the process of connecting individuals from diverse backgrounds and geographical locations. Users can search for friends, family members, colleagues, or like-minded individuals to establish online relationships. 2. Communication: Social networking enables real-time communication through various means, such as messaging, commenting, and sharing posts. Users can engage in conversations and discussions with their network connections. 3. Content Sharing: Users can share various types of content, including text, photos, videos, links, and articles. This content sharing fosters engagement and provides a way for individuals to express themselves and their interests. 4. Building Communities: Social networking allows users to form and participate in virtual communities based on shared interests, hobbies, or professional affiliations. These communities create spaces for like-minded individuals to come together and collaborate. 5. Networking for Professionals: Social networking platforms designed for professionals, like LinkedIn, offer a space for individuals to build their professional network, showcase their skills, and explore job opportunities.  6. Social Influence and Branding: Social networking has become a vital tool for individuals, businesses, and influencers to establish their online presence and build their personal or brand image. 7. Social Advertising: Social networking platforms have become a significant channel for advertising and marketing. Businesses can target specific audiences based on demographics, interests, and behavior. 8. Social Activism and Advocacy: Social networking has played a crucial role in raising awareness about social issues, mobilizing support for causes, and facilitating social activism. 9. Cultural Exchange and Global Communication: Social networking transcends borders, facilitating cultural exchange and global communication. Users can connect with individuals from different cultures and backgrounds, promoting cross-cultural understanding. 10. Feedback and Customer Support: Social networking platforms provide a means for businesses to receive feedback from customers and offer customer support services. 11. Research and Trend Analysis: Social networking data is valuable for researchers and analysts to study social trends, behavior, and public opinion. The work of social networking is continually evolving as technology advances and user behavior changes. While it brings numerous opportunities for connection and communication, it also presents challenges related to privacy, security, and managing the spread of misinformation. Responsible use of social networking platforms is essential to harness their potential for positive social impact. Fake news and disinformation on social networks Fake news and disinformation on social networks have become significant challenges in the digital age. They refer to false or misleading information intentionally spread through social networking platforms with the purpose of deceiving or manipulating the public. Here's a brief overview of fake news and disinformation on social networks: Fake News: Fake news is false or misleading information presented as factual news. It can be created and spread by individuals, organizations, or even automated bots. Fake news often exploits sensationalism, confirmation bias, and emotional triggers to garner attention and engagement. The spread of fake news can have serious consequences, such as influencing public opinion, polarizing societies, and undermining trust in credible sources of information. Disinformation: Disinformation refers to the deliberate spread of false or misleading information with the intent to deceive or manipulate the public. Unlike misinformation, which is false information spread without intent, disinformation is intentionally misleading. It may come from state-sponsored actors, political groups, or malicious entities aiming to shape public narratives, sow discord, or advance their agendas. Causes and Impact: Profit Motives: Some individuals or groups create fake news for financial gain, as sensationalized or controversial stories tend to attract more clicks, leading to higher advertising revenue.  Political Influence: State-sponsored actors and political groups may spread disinformation to sway public opinion, influence elections, or undermine rival countries or candidates. Social Engineering: Disinformation can be used for social engineering, manipulating public sentiment, and provoking emotional reactions to achieve certain outcomes. Confirmation Bias: People tend to believe and share information that aligns with their existing beliefs and values, reinforcing the spread of fake news within specific echo chambers. Erosion of Trust: The prevalence of fake news erodes trust in media, institutions, and even social networks as reliable sources of information. Measures to Combat Fake News and Disinformation: Fact-Checking: Promoting fact-checking initiatives and encouraging users to verify information before sharing it. Algorithm Adjustments: Social networks can adjust algorithms to prioritize credible and authoritative sources over fake news and misinformation. Content Moderation: Implementing content moderation policies and guidelines to flag and remove false or misleading content. Transparency and Disclosure: Encouraging users and advertisers to disclose any sponsored content or potential conflicts of interest. Media Literacy Education: Promoting media literacy and critical thinking skills to help users identify and resist the influence of fake news and disinformation. Combating fake news and disinformation on social networks requires a collaborative effort involving users, social media platforms, fact-checking organizations, and policymakers. By staying vigilant, verifying information, and promoting responsible online behavior, individuals can contribute to a healthier and more informed digital ecosystem. Reasons for Fake News and Disinformation in Social Networking: 1. Profit Motive: Some individuals and websites create fake news and disinformation to attract more clicks and generate advertising revenue. Sensationalized or controversial stories tend to receive more attention and engagement. 2. Political Influence: State actors, political groups, or foreign entities may use disinformation campaigns to influence public opinion, sway elections, or destabilize rival countries. 3. Social Engineering and Manipulation: Fake news can be used to manipulate public sentiment, provoke emotional responses, and incite divisions within society. 4. Confirmation Bias: People are more likely to believe and share information that aligns with their pre-existing beliefs, leading to the spread of false information within like- minded communities.  5. Lack of Fact-Checking: Social media platforms allow information to spread rapidly, often without proper fact-checking or verification, leading to the proliferation of false information. Effects of Fake News and Disinformation: Positive Effects: In rare instances, fake news and disinformation may lead to increased awareness or discussions on certain issues. Negative Effects: 1. Misinformation: False information misleads the public, leading to wrong decisions and actions. 2. Polarization: Fake news reinforces existing biases, leading to increased divisions and polarization within society. 3. Undermining Trust: The spread of fake news erodes trust in media, institutions, and social networks as reliable sources of information. 4. Public Safety: Misinformation can have severe consequences during emergencies, leading to panic and confusion. 5. Political Influence: Disinformation campaigns can manipulate election outcomes and undermine democratic processes. Solutions to Combat Fake News and Disinformation: 1. Fact-Checking: Promote fact-checking initiatives and encourage users to verify information before sharing it. 2. Algorithm Adjustments: Social media platforms can adjust algorithms to prioritize credible and verified sources over false information. 3. Content Moderation: Implement content moderation policies and guidelines to flag and remove fake news and disinformation. 4. Media Literacy Education: Promote media literacy and critical thinking skills to help users identify and resist the influence of fake news. 5. Transparency and Accountability: Social media platforms should be transparent about their content policies and be held accountable for misinformation spread on their platforms. 6. Collaboration: Foster collaboration between social media platforms, fact-checking organizations, and policymakers to develop effective strategies to combat fake news. 7. User Responsibility: Encourage users to be responsible consumers of information and to report and refrain from sharing unverified content. 8. Regulations: Governments can introduce appropriate regulations to address fake news and disinformation while respecting freedom of speech and expression. Addressing the issue of fake news and disinformation requires a collective effort from social media platforms, users, fact-checkers, and policymakers. By implementing comprehensive solutions and promoting responsible behavior, we can create a more informed and reliable digital environment. A Brief History of Fake News The term "fake news" has been used for centuries, but its modern context in the digital age emerged with the rise of social media and online news platforms. Here's a brief history of fake news: Origins of Fake News: The concept of spreading false or misleading information to influence public opinion dates back to ancient times. Governments, politicians, and individuals have historically used propaganda to manipulate public perception. Modern Context: With the advent of the internet, the spread of fake news accelerated significantly. The ease of publishing and sharing information online, coupled with the viral nature of social media, enabled false information to reach a vast audience rapidly. Early 2000s: In the early 2000s, the term "fake news" was used to describe satirical news websites, such as "The Onion," which published humorous and fictional stories. 2010s: In the 2010s, social media platforms became the primary channels for the dissemination of fake news. Misleading or fabricated stories, often designed to exploit emotions or political biases, gained traction and went viral on platforms like Facebook and Twitter. 2016 U.S. Presidential Election: The 2016 U.S. presidential election brought significant attention to the impact of fake news on public discourse. Numerous false stories, particularly related to the candidates and their campaigns, circulated widely on social media, leading to concerns about the role of misinformation in influencing election outcomes. Purpose of Fake News: The purpose of fake news can vary depending on the source and the context. Some common purposes include: o Clickbait and Profit: Fake news can be created to generate clicks and advertising revenue for websites that profit from increased traffic. o Political Manipulation: State actors or political groups may use fake news to sway public opinion, sow discord, or advance their agendas. o Social Engineering: Fake news can be employed to manipulate public sentiment, provoke emotional responses, or incite divisions within society. o Mischief and Trolling: Some individuals may spread fake news for fun or to confuse and mislead others. It's essential to remain vigilant and critically evaluate the information we encounter online. Fact- checking, media literacy, and responsible sharing are crucial in countering the impact of fake news and misinformation in the digital age.