The Personal Value of Social Networking as a General ConceptNameInstitutionSubjectInstructorDatePersonal Value of Social Networking as a General ConceptIf there is one development of the 21st century that sets it apart from all others preceding it, it is the revolution in information technology. The medieval period had its powerful kings and monarchs, the 20th century its two World Wars, but their impact on world history pales in comparison with the lifestyle-changing and cultural revolutionary effect of social networking sites. The film The Social Network directed by David Fincher portrays the social and intellectual effect of social networking in today`s generation. Personally, the social network has affected my life both intellectually and socially, in ways that I find to be beneficial and life-enriching. As a student, I can argue that social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, Myspace and Yahoo provide more convenient learning platforms where I share ideas and knowledge, as well as interact with friends and classmates. As a general concept, therefore, I find social networking valuable because it not only allows me access to vast knowledge resources, but also enriches my social life by expanding my social contacts and list of friends. I like social networking sites because they help me stay in the loop with regards to keeping abreast of new events and trending topics. The way people access and utilize information has changed drastically over the years following the invention of the Internet (Gray & Linsiky, 2009, p. 1). For instance, more people depend on the Internet to get news as opposed to buying newspapers. Among younger adults, the Internet is their primary space for interaction and socialization. The following table illustrates the prevalence of social networking within this group.
(Source: Mashable, 2010).Recognizing this shift in people`s behavior, media houses have embraced social networking sites such as Yahoo, Twitter, and Facebook to expand their consumer base. Consequently, I actively engage in social networking to remain updated with current news and unfolding events. A good example is the recent Arab Spring Revolution, in which protesters used social sites to inform the world about their movement. Most people around the world learned of what was going on through internet-based social sites. In this regard, I find social networking a useful tool for accessing news and information. The educational value of intern...