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.