Social networks and virtual worlds can be used to keep in touch with people and meet new friends. On the corporate level, these technologies can be and in some cases are used to the business' advantage. Some firms use social networks to recruit people as mentioned in the reading, "Social Networking Technology Boosts Job Recruiting". A popular website used to find new employees is Linkedin, that as shown in the website has "Over 25 millions professionals" using it. Other companies may use social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook to advertise their products. These ads can be seen on the sides or top and bottom of a user's page. Virtual worlds like Second Life can be used in the corporate world to hold virtual meetings. It would be easier and cheaper for employees to log on a program like Second Life and privately hold meetings. IBM uses virtual worlds to mentor and sometimes even train their new employees.
What are the benefits of these technologies to society? Be specific.
As explained in the article, "Naughty Auties Battle Autism with Virtual Interaction", virtual worlds can help autistic people improve their social skills. By using these types of technologies they can slowly learn how to comfortably communicate and express their feelings with other individuals.
Is there a "dark side"?
Yes, there is definitely a dark side to social networks and virtual worlds. These technologies give multiple chances for predators to target innocent users with their bad intentions.
Make sure to include your opinion of the way these technologies might evolve in the future.
I think that social networking and virtual worlds will definitely change the way we communicate with one another even more. I feel that the usage of telephones or cellphones, and live conversations may decrease because of these technologies. Social networks and virtual worlds make it easier for people to communicate because in some cases it is instant and less formal.
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