This class is very interesting as it covers the developing ideas and questions people are asking when analyzing their own or others use of the internet. I would say this class has provided a strong vocabulary and theories to discuss the various topics of understanding the impact the internet and other CMC technologies have on building networked relationships. I saw became more aware of trending issues like self identity on the internet and online communities and groups.
Overall what i really took from this class was an understanding that the internet is an evolving tool that allows people to communicate and network like nothing seen in previous technologies. The internet and now even cellphones allow someone to make a connection anytime and anywhere. One thing i found interesting over the semester was how the rise in SNS and CMC technologies have made people dependent on these tools for communication. We live in a world now where we can communicate without actual Verbal communication, which has both positive and negative affects depending on the user.
I think a couple of the biggest things researchers need to try to research is the ideas surrounding privacy on the internet or even the permanente nature of content. Another issue they should look into is the ever evolving SNS that are updated constantly to engage the user. It is it helpful or hurtful.
I agree with you that the new online technologies are evolving very fast and that we can use them as a great tools to communicate anytime anywhere in an easy and free ways. You can write couple sentences and post it to all your family members and freinds in two seconds. This would let you be there and not feeling isolated or ignored. In less than a minutes you can read all about their news and feel that your are still a member of this family without having to go visit them or communicate face-to-face.
In agreement with you, I also found the information on CMC and SNS technologies to be highly interesting. Before this class, I only heard about the negative aspects of online sites, such as Twitter or Facebook. This included posted blogs having the potential to seriously damage or even possibly end long-term relationships. However, thanks to this class, I have learned that there are many good aspects to these sites as well. These positive qualities include friendships forming between individuals of different nations.