Characteristics of Social Network
According to my point of view, these may be some characteristics of social network which make it different from regular websites.
1. User-centered:
Before the wide spread of Facebook and Orkut, Websites were like content showcase where things and infomation were placed for the static visitors to see, and less interaction. This process of interaction with users/members was introduced at first and it became norm and famous with the passage of days at second. People can comunicate and share their voices, videos, themes of views and many other interlated stuff/content with other persons in the same network.. So Social Network was built and maintained by the users more as compared to the webmasters in the past.
2. Interactive Network:
As I have mentioned earlier that modern websites of social network are interactive; it means that all members of the network share their ideas,views, problems, issues, common interests,play games and discuss new things. Moreover, products and services are also offered on the network as mini-business which is getting popularity.
3. Community-based:
Like yahoo groups, social networks have the facility of communities (whether a member has the same common interest, hobbies and belief or not), members can join/visit different commnities and groups for all purposes as menstioned above. An example relating to this can be quoted as blogs and groups of Umea or BTH which are built and directed by the members for various educational reasons. So there may be many such commnities social groups which can be joined as members depending upon the needs and interest of the member.
4. “Emotion over content: Another unique characteristic of social networks is the emotional factor. While websites of the past were focused primarily on providing information to a visitor, the social network actually provides users with emotional security and a sense that no matter what happens, their friends are within easy reach. Whether suffering through divorce, break-up or any other family crisis, people are finding that the ability to jump online and communicate directly with a circle of friends provides a great deal of support in an otherwise unmanageable situation.”
