Within the article, it began with a definition of what is a social network site. It reads, “We define social network sites as web-based services” (Boyd and Ellison 211). It went on into more detail on three main points that make up what social network sites are used for. What stuck out to me most was point number two which goes on to say, “articulate a list of other users with whom they share a connection” (Boyd and Ellison 211). That part of the definition stood out to me because it ties back into what we are doing in class. In class we are making LinkedIn profiles in which you specifically “connect” to other users that you know or as the authors say, “share a connection” with. This article also highlighted on the importanc e of social network sites in our lives for personal use or for research. How our social media pages reveal the way we present ourselves online, what we change, or even what we may cover up about ourselves was pointed out throughout the text. Take Twitter for example, since we are making Twitter accounts for the class also, we individually get to choose our identity and how we want to portray ourselves online. I am aware of two main types of users on Twitter; 1) those who keep their identity anonymous with no personal information posted whatsoever and 2) those who make their profile very personal with pictures of themselves and updates on what they are doing that moment in time. Every person manages their digital identities in different ways.
I found it interesting while reading the passage was how many major social network sites have been created that I didn't even know about. From the whole list on the time line of dates the social network sites were launched, I only knew a hand full. Another thing I found interesting was that the authors explained why they use the term, “social network site” instead of social “networking” site because the word networking refers to individuals who initiate conversations with strangers to meet people they do not know. This may be the case in some circumstances, but personally, this isn't usually my situation. Along with many other individuals, I connect through social media such as Facebook to stay in touch with family, friends, or those people that I already know. Rarely is it the case that I go to social media to find new relationships. Besides the use of my cellphone, Facebook is one of the main ways I communicate with family that live across the country or talk to friends that are back home when I am in college.