Social Networking Evolution

In the past, AOL was the only social networking site, charging a monthly access fee for their email, IM, and internet services. Competition was virtually non-existant which made AOL a little too comfortable in the industry. As competition became more threatning, not charging for their email and internet services and computers having internet explorer or safari already installed, AOL could not keep up and had to make their services free.

Google and Yahoo became the leaders in this new era and have been trying to compete with one another for a number of years. The introduction of My Yahoo and iGoogle along with IM features on these sites allows users to maintain social networking without having to go on different pages or sign onto different accounts - which is a huge advantage and extremely convenient for users. The only problem with this is for Google and Yahoo. They do not charge for their features which makes it hard for them to turn a profit. Advertising is the only way for these sites to make money- but with 4 out of 10,000 users only clicking on the ads, it is not the best way for companies to advertise their products, so i wouldnt be suprised if they choose to put their funds towards other means. It will be interesting to see where the next generation of social networking will pop up.

Link-In Yourslef

Social Networking has taken over the business world and I believe will eventually become something that determines wether or not you are hired for certain positions. Networking and this idea of Six Degrees of separation helps businesses get tasks done quicker through using their connections and networks in gathering relevant information, gaining references, making sales, etc. The problem is idea of what is privacy and where is the line crossed. When is it okay to share your contacts and when should you keep it confined.


One company offers a $25 dollar American Express gift certificate for revealing a contact. The problem with this that if the contact is not revelaed, that the business world may become more like cat and mouse, where management is chasing down employees to gain insights or potential sales. This puts a lot of power into employees hands and could turn out to be future problems.


Companies may start to ask for contacts when looking at potential hires, because it has become so important in the business world. It may be more beneficial for a company to hire someone with a great deal of contacts who is willing to share over someone who may be more qualified, but not willing to share/ doesnt have as many connections.


Websites have been a huge push in this craze, with Facebook, MySpace, Friendster- all of which allow you to keep in touch with people throughout the world. Linked, which is geared solely for businees claims to help users:

• Stay in touch


• Discover job & business opportunities


• Get expert business advice

We will see what the future brings for Social Networking in Business.

Here is an interesting video i found on YouTube explaining how barak Obama is getting involved with social networking and LinkedIn

Barak Obama and LinkedIn

About Me

My name is Jackie Lane, 21 years old from Long Island, NY. I am a senior in the Kogod School of Business at American University located in Washington DC. I began this blog as an assignment for my Information technology class titled, Social Networking and Business and will be posting blogs for the remainder of the semester. Please respond as you please.



“On my honor, all posts on this blog are my own”