Boyd and Ellison define SNSs as ” (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. The nature and nomenclature of these connections may vary from site to site.” I think that this is an accurate definition for SNSs. SNSs are different from online communities because a community is a group of people that share some kind of common interest. Members of online communities do not make a profile about themselves like members of SNSs do. With online communties, the focus is more on the members discussing certain issues rather then trying to ‘network’ with other people and share pictures and other things. However, SNSs are similar to online communities in the fact that both of them involve connected with other people, just in different ways.
5 thoughts on “Blog # 10”
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agreed that SNS’S and online communities involve connection with other people, in different ways. However, now that I have read your post, maybe people in online communities do not share a common interest. Online “bashing” happens all the time in online communities because people often have a difference of opinion..sad, but true.
I agree that with the notion that SNS users use more profile information. SNS seems to be more about the user unlike online communities that focus on a certain topic with disregards to the user.
Many of us feel that with communities the people all share some kind of interest however, this could also be on SNS sites. Many people join SNS sites because their friends are on it and most people are friends with one another. We choose our friends because we have something in common or we can relate to one another. So the common factor with SNS would be that we all join for the same or similar reason.
Many of us feel that with communities the people all share some kind of interest however, this could also be the same with SNS sites. Many people join SNS sites because their friends are on it and most people are friends with one another because they have something in common or we can relate to one another. So the common factor with SNS would be that we all join for the same or similar reason.
I must say I disagreed with boyd & Ellison until reading this statement from you, “members of online communities do not make a profile about themselves like members of SNSs do.” I see the bigger picture and that is true. When you join forums there is no need for profiles because there is a central connection between its members.