Email phased out by Social Networks? Josh Porter over at Bokardo comments on the observation that Social Networks might be making Email obsolete because a startling high percentage of freshmen have Facebook accounts and are using them to communicate … and not email.
Much like when my first friend got married, I sudden got a chilling sensation that wow … I am getting old.
Quick flash back to first year university: digging around with good ol’ Pine, struggling away with its non-GUI interface, but feeling a rush all the same for being able to *email* someone!
Its funny how communications on the web has been evolving with every successive generation of tools — email has begat instant messaging which has begat … social networks?
Well, the article actually sources a Michigan paper, called Spatially Bounded Social Networks and Social Capital [pdf], a 37 page read heavily footnoted (it is an academic paper after all). It does have some interesting conclusions, mainly that social networks, such as Facebook (as mentioned in the article) have a significant and emerging role in maintaining existing off-line social networks.
As folks move / graduate from place to place — such as high school to college / university — sites like Facebook and Myspace have a much larger role, not in helping people meet new people (like a dating site, for example) but strengthening previous ties.
But phasing out email altogether?
I’m not sure that’s in any danger of happening — but as communication evolves, so will each tool. Social Networks will have their role in keeping ties tight between existing relationships; email might serve a wider role when communication happens between parties where there is no existing relationship … or none so tight as to be meaningfully bound by a Social Network.
[UPDATE: Hey, I just realized this was my 100th post! :D For anyone interested in my previous 99 posts, hit up the archive, or just leave a comment if you like!]
August 11th, 2006 at 5:57 pm | Permalink
[...] Turns out one of their “Diggers” is a Chinese fellow named “Vincent” who was good enough to submit my article on Social Networks Killing the Internet Star, and this, in turn piqued my interest. [...]
January 31st, 2007 at 12:19 am | Permalink
Hey, thanks for that.
February 19th, 2007 at 3:20 am | Permalink
I was just wondering if you are using this for this blog.
March 20th, 2007 at 4:04 am | Permalink
Fantastic. Thanks for the solution.
March 21st, 2007 at 8:50 am | Permalink
Many small social networking niches which combine the features of myspae, youtube and orkut have sprung up. I feel they will rule the internet in the future
April 17th, 2007 at 8:03 pm | Permalink
A lot of social bookmarking sites are being used to death and seem to be less affective?
Dennis
July 26th, 2007 at 10:57 am | Permalink
My main concern is that you can’t guarantee every page of your website will be included in the SERPs. Considering I’m constantly adding new products to my company’s website, I need to be sure that customers can find them as soon as possible.http://www.seoptimizerz.com
October 4th, 2007 at 7:27 am | Permalink
penis enlargement and breast enlargement products reviews like vigrx, magnarx, natural gain plus, sizomax, vp-rx, breast gain plus, breast sucess, penis enlargement extenders, devices and penis enlargement pumps that enlarge penis size naturally up 3-4 inch in a month. http://www.enlargementt.com
November 19th, 2007 at 2:06 pm | Permalink
Viagra is used to treat impotence in men. Viagra increases the body’s ability to achieve and maintain an erection during sexual stimulation. Viagra does not protect you from getting sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. http://www.gordoniihoodia.net
January 30th, 2008 at 8:59 am | Permalink
Nice job…thank you !
May 7th, 2008 at 10:29 am | Permalink
Awesome post. Thanks for the info, nice one!
May 21st, 2008 at 2:23 am | Permalink
Natural Gain Plus Penis enlargement Pills
Natural Gain Plus can give you quick results in just weeks! The Natural Gain Plus combines exercise techniques and a blend of herbal ingredients which are known to improve sexual functions, increase libido, and increase semen volume.* The Natural Gain Plus is the world powerful male enlargement program available anywhere in the world. With years of success behind our product and being one of the only companies that uses 100% natural ingredients we foresee you having great success.