Online Communites Pros and Cons

Just as a follow on from the last post. I wanted to discuss online communities (aka social networking sites): Facebook, Bebo, Twitter, Youtube, Myspace, MSN, chat rooms etc

Squido.com explores some pros and cons of social networking:
 http://www.squidoo.com/pros-and-cons-of-social-networking-sites 

Hub Pages also has an article:
: http://hubpages.com/hub/Pros-and-Cons-of-Social-Networking-Sites

I found some good youtube clips too, the information on them is crazy!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIFYPQjYhv8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaZw8EJ2hvw&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XhzYGoBif8&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQ5zJvA0NYY&feature=related

Humerous:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSnXE2791yg&feature=related

How much is all this technology changing people?

When I think of an answer to that question, I always refer to social networking experiences either myself or my friends have had.

I still haven't deleted my Facebook, because at the moment it allows me to have constant and updated info and communication with all of my family and friends that are overseas (the benefits of this obly JUST out-weigh everything else).

I find it interesting to observe people's behaviours on social networking sites, because sometimes my own friends are very different on the internet than they are in "real" life ... whatever is real anymore. A classic example: the shy, conservative type usually feels more comfortable expressing themselves more confidently via the internet because they are not physically having to behave in that way infront of people.

And its important to remember that everyone expresses themselves in different ways; and for a lot of people social networking is a form of expressing the "real" them. Hmmmm, complex issues. Its' similar to online gaming.

Like I've said though, bad things can happen; it's important that people remember this and be careful online.

"If its online, everyone can see it" - Anon