You should write an account that summarises the current position of your topic (SOCIAL NETWORKING).

Assignment Brief

Topic: SOCIAL NETWORKING

Using the block materials in intoroduction (is in the PDF file. File name Social networking1.1) as a starting point, you should write an account that summarises the current position of your topic (SOCIAL NETWORKING). In your account you should discuss the important points, concepts and current ideas related to your chosen topic. You will need to carry out research into recent developments, using sources you find on the Web in order to provide an up-to-date account of your topic. 

You should discuss both of the following:

• key points found in the module materials about your topic 
• current issues or debates surrounding your topic, new developments in the area, and/or new applications of the technologies. 

You should envisage your readers as being other students who know something of the topic from their study of the block, but who have not researched the topic in detail. You should write your page so that it could be used by a current student to deepen and update their knowledge of the topic beyond the material found in Block 3. 

You must include at least one citation (as described in Block 1, Part 7, Section 5.3.2) and one quotation (as described in Block 1, Part 7, Section 5.3.1). One of these must be from a source that you have found yourself and the other from the block materials. Use the Harvard referencing system for all references and quotations. ( Look at PDF file name scanned document 1.3)

Sample Answer

Social Networking: Current Position and Developments

Introduction

Social networking has become an integral part of modern communication, reshaping how individuals, organisations, and communities interact. According to the module materials, social networking sites (SNS) facilitate both professional and personal connections, enabling users to share information, collaborate on projects, and maintain social relationships. These platforms operate on principles of user-generated content, connectivity, and community building (Module Material, 2023).

Key Points from Module Materials

The block materials emphasise several core concepts of social networking. Firstly, social networks rely on network effects, where the value of the platform increases as more users join. Secondly, user engagement is critical, measured through likes, shares, comments, and interaction frequency. Thirdly, privacy and data protection issues are highlighted as central concerns, as personal information is often shared openly on these platforms. Finally, SNS provide opportunities for both professional networking, such as LinkedIn connections, and informal socialisation, allowing individuals to maintain relationships across distances.

Current Issues and Debates

Recent developments have expanded the role of social networking beyond simple interaction. Algorithmic curation now determines what content users see, raising concerns about echo chambers and misinformation (Smith, 2022). The rise of short-form video platforms, such as TikTok, demonstrates a shift in user engagement from text-based posts to multimedia content. In addition, social networks are increasingly integrated with e-commerce, enabling social shopping experiences and influencer marketing.

Ethical debates continue to surround data privacy and user consent, particularly following incidents such as the Cambridge Analytica scandal. Researchers argue that SNS platforms must balance user engagement with ethical responsibility: “Social networking technologies can enhance connectivity, but they also amplify the risks of data misuse and social manipulation” (Module Material, 2023, p.12).

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