The rapid growth of computer mediated communication, especially those happening on social sites, has attracted the attention of scholars. This attention has made it important to define these types of communications. Some of the earliest attempts to define these types of on-line communications were put forward by Boyd and Ellison (2007) and Beer (2008). Based on these articles, it is clear that the authors of each article have a different picture of how to define social network(ing) sites. Boyd and Ellison shy away from the use of “networking sites” and define social network sites (SNSs) as “web-based services that allow individuals to (1) construct a public or semi-public profile within a bounded system, (2) articulate a list of other users with whom they share a connection, and (3) view and traverse their list of connections and those made by others within the system”. Beer believes that the use of SNSs is rather broad and the more specific term “social networking sites” would facilitate the work of researchers. Beer defines a social network(ing) site as “something particular, a set of applications where, to a certain extent, networking is the main preoccupation”.
I think both definitions have value. While I agree with Boyd and Ellison that networking is not the primary use of SNSs in every case, I also believe that Beer is right to want a precise definition of SNS in order to eliminate confusion.
Social networks are similar to online communities in that they can connect people on both the local and national level based on similar interests, or in some cases connect with strangers. However, SNSs differ from online communities in the sense that members of online communities develop a closer connection that spills over into off-line relationships. In SNSs it is possible to be connected within the site and not have an emotional connection.
Not sure if it was a typo in the first sentence of your las paragraph, but I would argue that online communities do connect people on both local and national levels. The Bronze is a good example. The members of that community were from all over the world.
I also agree that online communities tend to promote stronger relationships than social network sites. Social network sites are often used to maintain offline relationships, and there’s an emphasis on the invidividual over the group.
I agree with you that online communities connect people who have common interest, but I don’t thik that social networking people connect with each others because they have common interest. The main thing make you get involved in a social network site is to look for an old freinds or maintain you present relatioships with your offline friends and family members.
I think that a social network can be used to serve as a common interest for people if maybe your friends and you get online and share pictures or stories of being a student, or being a parent. I do not think it is strictly for that purpose, but it is one option.
I know many people that continue to use Facebook for its photo sharing and storage capacity. Lots of people in my family use it to distribute family pictures because its easier than email. This could be an argument in favor of SNS connecting people on common interest, but I still think more people are using it to manage large networks at lower costs and communities are predominately used to connect strangers on a common interest.
Your last sentence you states that “in SNS it is possible to be connected within the site and not have an emotional connection.” However, base on everyone’s comments and reasons for joining SNS sites is to state in contact with family and friend which they already have an emotional connection with them. I believe it would be possible to connect to a community without emotional connection because you may not know they people.
“Social networks are similar to online communities in that they can connect people on both the local and national level based on similar interests, or in some cases connect with strangers.”I completely agree with you statement, as stated in my post SNS is used for multiple ways and I feel no one can direct a definition because the uses are constantly evolving.