Sociological Perspectives: Social networking websites

Social Networking Websites

Social networking websites are interactive online spaces where users can communicate with each other. People or organizations with comparable interests and backgrounds use the websites to communicate with one another by exchanging expertise and information. Because the websites are internet-based, a user needs internet connectivity in order to access them. The user creates the shared material. LinkedIn and other career-focused social networking sites are examples of social networking sites that are used for non-social interpersonal contact. Facebook, email, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, Pinterest, and WhatsApp are among the sites that are often used. Technology advancements have aided in the expansion and use of social networking services. Business communities have benefited from the sites as they have used them in building a reputation, recruiting, creating brand awareness, and obtaining information regarding their competitors (Clark, & Roberts, 2010). The sites have also facilitated fast communication to a large number of people as the majority of personnel are using the sites. The reason for choosing this issue is because it’s high impact and transformation in the society. Dynamic changes today have been triggered by the introduction and usage of social networking sites. Also, the current trends are revolving around social networking sites, therefore, the need to analyze the issue from functionalism, conflict, and interactionist perspectives.

Functionalism Perspective of the Issue

Social networking sites have achieved their primary purpose of connecting people throughout the globe. Users located in different parts of the world communicate with each other and share crucial information and pictures. The sites have also enabled users to find trending elements in the social media by use of the hashtag. Also, users can accept and block the users they want or do not want to connect with. The social networking sites have fostered teaching of norms and other cultural factors through individual groups and pages presented to the users to join. Some organizations advertise for jobs on the sites where interested users can access and apply for the advertised positions. Media also shares various daily happenings on different social sites to recoup the users on what is happening. Users advertise products and services using the sites to attract a broad audience.

Conflict Perspective

Social networking sites have been seen to mislead the users by facilitating sharing of misleading information likely to drain away relevant cultures. Some pictures and videos shared on the sites are quite notorious and unacceptable in society as they erode the moral values. Also, some users view private information of other users by hacking their accounts and posting false and vital information regarding the owner of the account. Besides, social networking sites have been seen to incite the public through the posting of negative information directed at individual communities. The sites have fostered tribalism and racism as users from different background, racial and ethnic groups who attack their fellow users from the side. Social networking sites have also be used by criminals to share and organize attacks as the communication shared in some platforms is not accessible to the third party. People with high status have been able to show off by schooling their followers on what makes up their status thereby achieving and maintaining their popularity and legitimate power (Clark, & Roberts, 2010).

Interactionism Perspective

Interaction perspective presents social networking sites as guiding and shaping tools towards a better tomorrow. The sites facilitate communication of educative information through the promotion of cultural brands and elements as well as encouraging users to acquire and demonstrate individual acceptable values. The sites also connect users with social events where users can contribute by offering their ideas and opinion, whereby they also learn from each other. Some events advertised in the social platforms bring people together where users register and participate physically. Also, the sites have brought people together through campaigns such as diabetic walk that are shared and facilitated through the social platforms. Users comment on information or discussion and also choose what articles to view, which enables them to give meaning to the world.

Elements of Culture and Modes of Learning by Human Beings

The social media have facilitated communication and sharing of knowledge related to different culture. People have strived to learn and preserve elements of the culture which include the values, norms, and beliefs. Some people have been able to copy and imitate others peoples’ culture thereby conflicting with their own culture since every culture is unique. Human beings learn by regularly seeing a cultural element that is of interest to them, conceptualizing it and practicing it openly. People are influenced by the acts, beliefs, and practices of the immediate society that surrounds them. Human beings become integrated into the society by interacting and communicating with other people and practicing the norms, beliefs, and values acceptable in the society (Escartin, 2015). Social networking sites have played a significant role in bringing together and increasing interaction with members of the community. Human beings have also learned some cultural elements through the networking sites.

In conclusion

Functionalism and interactionism perspectives are the most applicable to the social networking sites issue as they foster a positive attitude in the society. Also, they portray the issue as significant in teaching morals and behavior to the members of the community. The two perspectives have further facilitated a reduction in the cost of communication at the same time uniting people from all walks of life into the same network known as “global village.” The purpose and objectives of social networking sites are explained from the functionalism and interactionism perspectives which bring about a positive attitude on the issue.

References

Clark, L., & Roberts, S. (2010). Employer’s Use of Social Networking Sites: A Socially

Irresponsible Practice. Journal of Business Ethics, 95(4), 507-525. 

Escartin, M. (2015). Rogue Cops Among Rogues: Trolls and Trolling in Social Networking

Sites. Philippine Sociological Review,63, 169-190.