After struggling with the idea of the value of blogging for a freelance writer --of which I've only written one prior to this (and the jury is still out on the topic) -- the new technology tool that plagues me this week is Social Networks.
Now while the idea of these networking beasts such as Classmates.com, MySpace.com, FaceBook.com, and LinkedIn.com are certainly not new to the World Wide Web scene, it's the growing number of users that surprises me. And also how they are utilizing and engaging these services that is more telling about the social implications of social networks...the good, the bad, and the unaccepted.
In providing a quick glimpse for purposes of explanation, I will refer to LinkedIn as an example. Unlike its competitors, its main purpose attracts those users whom are hoping to market themselves or services, and to (re)connect to others professionally (whom they would not otherwise be in contact with)...you recall the six degrees of separation from Kevin Bacon.
Therefore, social networks in and of themselves are useful.
However, and it's a big "however" -- what are the hidden downfalls that are not evident at first glance? the ones that have social psychological implications that we (viewers) will use to judge others on the strength of their individual network?
Ever thought about it?
For many it will be like High School all over again, except with a class of 12 million.
- Will the number of connections on an individual's personal page be an indication of their popularity?
- Will the quality of those connections be a determining factor of their power (i.e., CEOs and entrepreneurs vs. stay-at-home moms and plumbers)?
- Will the strength of their past and present employers be a direct reflection of their degree of professionalism and acumen?
As extreme of a connection phenomena it may appear, I found out that I'm only four degrees from Oprah, three degrees from Hollywood power-house couple Bradgelina, and two degrees from Fed Chairman Bernacke.
Regardless of these scant connections...all of whom I'd likely never meet, nor do any of them have a LinkedIn page (I looked), but the six degrees theory still holds true. My point is that it's possible to make connections, and if it were also possible for me to add these particular "connections" would I be valued or judged accordingly? Would I be more popular amongst my peers and colleagues?
Now, let's take it one step further and put my theory in action in terms of being "valued" as a connection.
When LinkedIn users send out an invitation for others to join their network, they will quickly discover how others view them, or "value" them as a connection depending on their acceptance or decline of their invite.
And what about those who have a LinkedIn profile, but don't send an invite to everyone in their sphere of influence.
Does that mean that don't see the value of adding certain people? Is this an indication that the person is not of value to them? Does it speak to their popularity? power? professionalism?
Perhaps no one cares either way nor gives it as much thought as I do, but it's my job as a communications specialist and writer to take special notice on how people relate and interact, particularly on the Internet.
And despite my lack of time to fully analyze a person's individual network of connections, I have found myself comparing one person (with 15 connections) to another (with 500 connections) -- not judging, but evaluating. And it gives me pause wondering how others may be viewing the current state of my LinkedIn network.
- Will future potential connections accept me in their LinkedIn network only upon analyzing my pool of contacts?
- Will future employers investigate my social circle to determine who my friends and business acquaintances are before hiring me...you know, relying on the old adage: "if you want to know the value of a woman show me her friends."
With the immediacy of information at our fingertips, and as much scrutiny as we live with in today's world, Social Networks should be used with caution and care.
Perhaps there should be a warning disclosure that reads: "Connections in the network are not as large or as impressive as they appear."
