In recent days I’ve been getting to grips with the wide range of new tools becoming available to in theory, bring us closer together. For example, becoming more aware of what we are doing in our own lives and potentially meeting new people.

When I first started blogging almost 5 years ago (!) I could never have dreamed of the power of social networks, for example: Twitter.

Take for example an application that converts your RSS feed to a iphone friendly site. Or, Friend feed, that aggregates all of your various social networking functions (pic sharing, Blogging, RSS subscriptions and media watching activities).

Here is the iphone URL for saviarora.com

http://tinyurl.com/6ff6yw

I wonder if we can harness this power to generate a collective opinion and power for change?
Change that will see that those who do not have such toys can at least get a start in life.

Popularity: 32% [?]

I love the word ‘Cyberspace’ as it conjures up a new dimension of time and space. However, what it really consists of is just a series of numbers in an aim to connect to each other across our personal boundaries. Saying that, with Social networking technologies like Facebook, Myspace and Bebo, the potential exists for us to connect but with a need to assure a sense of caution.

On a negative note, it was brought to my attention that if you wish to delete your entry on Facebook simply choosing the delete your profile is not enough. A full deletion takes time and is only possible through completing an online form.

Many people have decided to leave such social networking sites as they feel that they are either bored or feel that they may be staked! I know the latter sounds a bit extreme but by opening up your personal details, even if done innocently, these sites can allow other (non-friends) to find out about you (subject to how much you reveal on your public site).

A recent Ofcom report, which surveyed 8,500 adults and children, reveals that half of all eight to 17-year-old Internet users - about 4million people - have a personal profile. This compares with 22 per cent of adults. Ofcom said two-thirds of children using social networking sites were on Bebo, while another third were on MySpace and Facebook (Facebook is most popular with adults). The survey showed 16 per cent of parents did not know who can see their children’s profiles. A worrying 41 per cent of children admitted they did not use privacy settings and only 53 per cent said their parents set them rules for use.

NB ‘Non-friends’ can also be defined as commercial companies that can profile advertisements towards you. In addition, one should also consider that it has been reported that snooping by potential employers also takes place.

Another area to consider is the use of such networks in the workplace. The UK Trades Union Council has established some guidelines (see: http://www.worksmart.org.uk/rights/socialnetworking).

One a positive note, over the last 2 weeks I have managed to re-establish contact with a couple of really great business colleagues. It was great to catch-up with them, where they are now - NB Both after at least 10 years. One could argue and question why did it take so long to reconnect? The only answer I can give is that the world is a big place and we all get busy in our own lives.

In the future it is likely that Cyberspace will provide us with virtual worlds with advanced features that connect to existing networks – These worlds will allow people to interact in a chosen identity or identities, introducing the possibility of an even bigger potential for exploitation. I was recently told by an Internet security expert that

the problem with the Internet is that nobody knows if you are a dog and if you are a dog what kind of dog are you going to be!

With such power comes great responsibility – No, this is not just a throw away line or something that can be exploited by a Spiderman movies. It is true. Today we have more power at our fingertips than ever before and it appears that children are apt at adapting to the latest fads and openness offered.

It is important to understand the risks of being online but also the need to provide greater guidance for hovering around in Cyberspace.

Popularity: 35% [?]

A few years ago I was invited to a Business Exchange type of networking event - an event where there is hope that a lot of business folks can get together and hopefully help each other out in winning business or developing new strategies / synergies for products/services. It was held at a rather nice hotel, i.e.: what they (the hotel) describe as one of the finest hotels in London / the world - The Langham. With champagne and freshly squeezed orange juice ‘laid on’, together with hors d’oeuvre’s of all shapes and sizes - so were the attendees!

I probably didn’t know what to expect as the way the event had been described to me was very different to what it turned out to be. Upon arrival we were led to the hotel’s grand hall. Waiters rushed backwards and forwards ensuring that upon entry each entrant was supplied with a glass of his/her chosen damage. In front of me was a sea of dark suits, both men and women engaged in filling the hall with the sounds of rhubarb, rhubarb, rhubarb… With a glass in one hand and a plate of mini quiche’s in the other I walked towards bunches of people in a hope to contribute at an appropriate point of interlude.

One group was busy discussing the power of quality procedures, another on how financial management (cash flow et al) is important and another discussing financial management arrangements. It then dawned on me that most of the conversations were being led by financial and legal consultants who would typically emerge from the right hand side of the hall and ‘net’ individuals within their vocal grasp. I remember being financially propositioned (in a ‘would you be interested in a business loan’ manner) at least twice. In addition, being introduced to at least two legal experts, ceremonially leaving their cards with me on departure.

OK, maybe what I have described is not typical of what happens at all these events and I have had described to me lots of similar events where guest speakers pitch their services and there really is potential to engage in valuable debate around gaining new clients, together with identifying possible synergies - some regional and others national.

Social media offers more that traditional online communication. Bulletin boards have been around for a while. However, Web 2.0 offers interactivity through RSS and greater chances for referencing, for example Facebook and Linkedin. With social media people can exhibit their personal creativity, share thoughts and record activities, assuming of course that they know how to use the required/necessary online tools. This raises the question of whether those that are more technically savvy have an unfair advantage?

If we take lessons from the example that I gave and create a blended networking infrastructure, then there maybe a chance that new and real business opportunities can emerge, niches can be identified, true friendship can emerge and less food can be wasted!

Popularity: 59% [?]

Its seems that the whole world is now on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com) and literally, pardon the pun (!) every time I pick-up a copy of The (UK) Times, there is always an article from a journalist / writer providing an opinion on its use and potential abuse. However, rarely do I find a piece on its social implication.

I wonder sometimes if Facebook is just a case of a fad or the development of another evolution in the world of online communication. Remember Friends Reunited? They are still around and have also innovated further. I guess the question to really ask is if it such technology brings people closer together?
Facebook is a great tool to connect and reconnect with people we know or have known. There is potentially the fear of rejection if they do not wish to engage with you any more. There is also the potential for your personal profile to be restricted or running an application within the system called, ‘Top friends’!

Of course there those that strongly resist its charm, don’t believe that they need it and many others who are techno phobic. Does this mean that we are creating a society that will have multiple levels of Information Technology competence and dependency. Certainly, Facebook like Instant Messenger (MSN, Yahoo) can be addictive. In addition, there are some users that believe that it is all about competition, i.e.: How many friends they can accumulate. I’m surprised that at this stage that know one is chasing specific people online!
In addition, some employers have begun to restrict its use in the workplace.

Ultimately, it can be peer pressure that bring some online. Or, businesses that believe that it can add to a customer experience. I’ve heard some people, Facebook opponents, suggest the following:

* It was always a student thing!
* How sad that you have to use it!

With regard to the latter, serious users will appreciate that Facebook is not the only social networking site but a potentially an extension to everyday living.
In this context it can be a potentially, ‘excluding technology’, i.e.: a system that prevents people from engaging with each other.

Facebook also makes a huge assumption that it is easy to share, video, audio and picture. The latter, appears to be the most popular form of content that is shared today. For example, over 8 million pictures are uploaded to Facebook daily.

So what is next in the world of online communication.
There is the potential that networks that are purpose built, private and even more exclusive could develop.
Ironic, in the context that a technology that has the potential to bring people together can also be divisive in keeping humanity apart!

Today, more than ever we need people to connect with each other.
I just realised that today is Sept 11th and as I am writing this, it was 6 years ago that we witnessed the awful Twin Towers attack. It is one of those events that automatically makes people remember where they were and what they were doing. It was two years before I started blogging (I wrote my first online journal in Oct 2003) or blogging was even heard of. Online tools can help people share their experiences and most of all potentially bring out the best in people!

If you get a chance, check out, ‘Facebook not for close friendships’ research results…

Popularity: 64% [?]