How Wireless Internet and Social Networking Sites are Changing the World

With the spread of social networking sites as of late, one has to ponder why they have instantly become so incredibly popular across the globe. While most, if not all, were begun in the United States, their membership and following is spreading into countries all across the world, further showing that the Internet is an effective tool of globalization.

The spread of social networking sites shows that the Internet is changing social norms and the way people relate to one another. It also reflects the innate desire within human beings to be known, recognized and important. With the spread of satellite and wireless Internet, these sites are being opened up to a larger amount of people, creating a worldwide community where societies are being mixed and a global interconnectedness is emerging.

First, the growth of social networking sites is changing social norms and the way people relate to one another. Gone is the era when people relied on telephones and answering machines to communicate with friends. In their place is wireless Internet, which allows people to stay connected to friends, family, and work while staying mobile. While the amount of face-to-face conversations is arguably decreasing, the sheer amount of conversations and discussions is increasing. While the phrases and words expressed are being shortened with texts and wall postings, there is an increase in the amount of time being spent communicating with others. Even though the art of letter writing or the habit of newspaper reading is being lost, people continue to find ways to communicate effectively and access the news online.    

Second, the growth of social networking sites reflects the innate desire within human beings to be important and recognized. It reflects human's desire to be made famous, just like all the celebrities read in the tabloids and reported on in the newspapers. Social networking sites allow common people to post information about their day with text or photos and receive comments from friends. Blogs allow others to catch a glimpse of another person's thoughts or theories on life. In some sense, the regular person becomes famous or at least better known; although some critics suggest that the emergence of social networking sites really only encourages selective dissemination of personal information, allowing people to create their own image or reality for others to see. Either way, the Internet has allowed people to express themselves for others to see and comment.

Third, the growth of social networking sites is creating a worldwide community where geopolitical boundaries lose their significance and globalization is pushed forward. For good and bad, globalization is changing the way countries relate to one another. It is very difficult for countries to remain cut off from the rest of the world with the spread of satellite and wireless Internet, which in turn leads to the slow, but constant pressure to become less radical and more centrist. Over time, this leads to potentially greater cooperation and participation among countries across the planet. To be sure, social networking sites cannot be considered the potential cure to the world's genocides, terrorist plots, and wars, but there is strong evidence to suggest that as the world's people increase their connections through media such as the Internet, their radical views lessen and their commonalities are celebrated.

These are just a few effects that the spread of Internet and social networking sites has had on people across the globe. As satellite and wireless Internet continues to bring high speed Internet access to millions of people, more and more of the world's inhabitants will be brought into this global community of social connections.

About the Author:
Wireless Internet is changing the world, and you can be a part of this movement by checking out Clear 4G Houston. For University of Texas students, Clear 4G Austin is the best choice for wireless Internet.