Does the internet strengthen Social connections Essay

Does the internet strengthen Social connections - Essay Example Many people argue on the notion that social connectivity that internet promotes is less effective than face to face interaction and that social networking sites as opposed to popular beliefs have evaded the sincere interaction amongst people rather than promote it. However, what these arguments lack is the recognition of the fact that internet has undoubtedly served to bring together people from wide range of ethnicities and nationalities (Bruhn, pp. 220). Never in the history was it this easy for a Canadian teacher to teach electromagnetism to kids in Ghana or for a British industrialist to market its products to cottage industries of Tajikistan. Internet has truly contributed its share in the formation of global village, which pretty much defines the world of today. In this regard, this paper will include efforts to analyze the role of internet in strengthening social connections in the human society. In particular, the paper will include different examples to discuss the abovement ioned statement. In addition, it should come into notice that one of the added benefits that social connectivity through internet brings is the diffusion of information across a wide population. Not only does internet binds people together, it promotes education and forms a sort of a virtual knowledge-society in itself, of course in ideal situations only. â€Å"William Galston, in his article in 1999, talks about the online groups present on internet as communities according to four different criteria: Limited membership, shared norms, affective ties, and mutual obligation† (Feenberg, pp. 259). These online communities or social networking sites, as they are popularly known, serve multiple human desires. Where on one hand, it boost connectivity amongst its users on the other, it supplies them with unlimited choices in their interaction. Reiterating the earlier mention of the research on American society, it provides its users with autonomy to decide whom to interact with and in what ways to interact with. Using few examples will be helpful in elaborating this point further. Facebook is the largest social networking site of the world. A study shows that American internet users spend 10 percent of the total time online on Facebook. The same study reveals the 600 million plus membership of Facebook. Many people think that Facebook is like a new worldwide telephone network; only difference being it carries personal connections and profiles instead of voice (Feenberg, pp. 222-240). Another technology, Skype is one of the most useful products of internet. Not only fir industrial purpose but it also brings families scattered around the globe and people in long-distance relationships together. With technologies like Skype, parents worry less before sending their kids to study abroad knowing they can see them and talk to them whenever they want (Stadler, pp. 29-42). Besides family, Skype has enabled businesspersons from across the world to form collaborations wi th companies and expand their networks. This has of course decreased the number of errors caused by miscommunication and lack of medium of correspondence in the past. A very attractive aspect of this product is its economical rates as compared to mobile phones or telephone. Not only is the download of the software free of cost but also its use is free in case of Skype-to-Skype calls and as far as Skype-to-phone calls are concerned, rates are quite affordable that encourage individuals to strengthen their social connections, whereas, higher