Social Networking Sites

Over the past few days, I've looked at 4 different social networking sites: Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, and LinkedIn. Admittedly, I only use Facebook and Reddit constantly, LinkedIn sparingly, and I am relatively new to Twitter.

Facebook is more or less the standard for social networking sites. Personally, it was the first social networking site I've used. Its website (and mobile app) are easy to use and understand though the sidebar has a fairly large amount of different things such as for videos, buying and selling, events, groups, and even some games. The main feed is filled either with pictures, news articles, videos and status' from friends, family, and related interests based on what the user likes. Posts are mostly done in chronological order with older posts the further you look.

LinkedIn at face value is very similar to Facebook but with a twist. In general, LinkedIn is focused towards a more mature, business oriented attitude and user base. It is a place to apply for jobs, network with others in your line of work and show an individual as they are in the workplace. Unlike the other three, LinkedIn is much more formal with status' being updates to companies, celebrating work anniversaries, and interests based on the user's work skills. Like Facebook, the feed is mostly in chronological order.

Reddit is interesting in that the content you receive is based around what pages you follow, also known as subreddits. These subreddits can be based on interests, games, books, people, ideology, memes, etc. Content can range anywhere from videos, art/pictures, discussions, or even asking for advice. A key difference in Reddit is the "karma" system where people can up or down vote what you post either to support or condemn it. The system also links with what you see as, by default, high karma posts are shown at first.

Twitter is the most simplified of the group. It uses a follower system and content is usually short clips, pictures, and of course, tweets. Since it is limited to 280 characters, many posts are short, sweet, and to the point. Some tweets are simple status updates or sharing something with their followers or someone, others are to promote ideas or discussion. Twitter's key difference is in really using the hashtag system where people can either see related content or find your posts.

I see Facebook, Reddit, and Twitter as more casual social networking where a user can express themselves and share their life, LinkedIn is where a user can show themselves in a way for opportunities. Reddit and Twitter I find I could share with like-minded people where as Facebook is for people I know in real life. Facebook can connect a user to people they know or new people though others, LinkedIn connects a user to their work/professional interests, and Reddit and Twitter connects a user to communities based on their interests. Either way, they all connect users in ways not possible just a few decades ago.