Social Networking Part 1 "You've Got a Life"

So, you like the Internet. You spend too much time on it they say. People tell you to get a life, but you know that the internet has great value! After all, it is quicker and easier to access than the library, it replaced your music store, and you don't have to go to a single's bar anymore for a date. Or do you? Make the most out of your internet experience! Get social! This article will illustrate how to get involved in social networking over the internet. The use of the World Wide Web makes the World a whole lot smaller and communications a whole lot easier. That's right, with the power of today's technology, you can make friends in Singapore, sell your musical talents in Canada, and have a lover in Finland.

The internet can be a bit overwhelming if you are new to it. Or maybe you are used to using search engines, but you haven't done much else. Well, to begin your journey through social networking, I want to introduce you to a thing called e-mail. You can get a free e-mail address from places such as Gmail, Yahoo, & even Hotmail. What is an e-mail address? An e-mail address is kind of like your internet phone number or electronic mail box. People can use their email accounts to send you an email just the same as you can email them using your new email account. What are some of the other benefits of email addresses?

Ever heard of Newsletters? Newsletters can keep you in the loop. You can join certain websites, and sign up to their newsletter and receive updates and other information from those sites you signed up to. But what else can you do with your email address? Many websites require you to have an email address in order for you to sign up to use their services. To be interactive on gaming sites, post messages to other users, and be identifiable (somewhat) you're going to have to have your electronic mailing address. There is another powerful area of social networking that requires an email address to register to. This is what we like to call Forums.

Forums are online communities where members can post threads on different topics. Some sites will let you read their forum topics without signing up, others won't even let you in without being registered. Forums are powerful points of contact because it puts you right in the middle of an interactive community of people that are looking to converse with others. Whether it be asking questions for help or advice or arguing over politics, forums are a very powerful part of social networking. The rapid sharing of information through community forums has helped the Internet to become an even more powerful tool and place of information, recreation, and sociability.

There are many other types of social networking out there as well. If you are single and are looking to put yourself on the market, there are singles sites such as E-Harmony and Match.com. With sites like this, both men and women are able to fill out "about me" fields, take tests to lay out basic portions of their personality for others to see, and of course share photos. Once registered, the subscriber can also search for their perfect match based upon what they are looking for in their ideal match. This can be a useful tool in social networking and can lead to a very productive future as well.

With all of this information that I have shared with you, I hope that you find it easier to be social on the internet. We have covered the basics in how to get an email address, be interactive on certain types of websites, be part of online communities and forums, and of course be a part of the World Wide Web's version of Love Connection. So, the next time someone scoffs at how much time you spend on the internet, just smile at them. When they tell you to get a life politely inform them that you have one, and you wouldn't trade it for any other.