1. Text 12. Why social networking?

3. 1. Answer the following questions:

1. Why do people use social networks?

2. Social networks just allow users to post profiles and update pictures, don’t they?

3. Do you have a lot of online friends?

4. Which would you prefer: hanging out somewhere with your friends or spending your free time alone with your computer?

5. What is the funniest username you’ve ever met?

5. 2. Read the definitions of the following words and word combinations and translate them into Russian:

   to evolve - to develop from a more primitive form to the present form;

   background- a person's social class, education, training, or experience;

   sanctuary - a sacred place, such as a church, temple, or mosque;

   emphasis - special importance or significance, accent;

   inundated - covered with water;

   unsolicited - not asked for; "unasked advice";

   consensus - general or widespread agreement;

   vulnerable - capable of being physically or emotionally hurt;

   to reveal – to disclose, to show;

   mindset – mentality, outlook;

   alias - a false name;

   phony - not real, false;

   to be wary – to be on guard;

   chitchat - light informal conversation;

   precaution - an action taken to avoid a dangerous or undesirable event.

7. 3. Read the following text and be ready to answer if you observe networking safety rules:

Through social networking, people can use networks of online friends and group memberships to keep in touch with current friends, reconnect with old friends or create real–life friendships through similar interests or groups. Besides establishing important social relationships, social networking members can share their interests with other like–minded members by joining groups and forums. Some networking can also help members find a job or establish business contacts.

The phenomenon of online social networking—made extremely popular by MySpace.com , has evolved to include more than the teenage stereotype looking to expand his/her network of online friends. People of all ages and backgrounds have discovered that they can enrich their lives through the contacts they make on a social networking website.

What must an Ideal social network have?

Profiles. The heart and soul of social networking sites are user’s personal profiles. It’s like their own Internet sanctuary, a place where they can express their thoughts and feelings, post photographs and show off their network of friends. The most popular social network websites put a strong emphasis on the user’s profile, making it easy to use yet still reflective of the user’s personality.

Networking Features. A good social network goes above and beyond just allowing users to post profiles and update pictures. Additional features should include music sections, video uploads, groups and more.

Search. The object of a social network is to find friends and expand relationships. Top social networking websites allows members to search for other members in a safe and easy to use environment. Common search functions include search by name, city, school and email address.

Legitimate Friend Focus. The growing trend for social networks is to communicate and keep in touch with people you already know. No one wants to be inundated with unsolicited spam friend requests. The best social network sites keep profiles and search options private enough that the only people that can find you are the ones actually looking for users in their own school or neighborhood networks. Even with a completely public profile, users shouldn’t be bothered with more than a couple of unsolicited comments or messages.

Security. The Internet can be a dangerous place to post personal information. All social networks should provide the ability to set profiles to private in some way or another. Additionally they should have the ability to report and block users.

Networking Safety Tips. From the office watercooler and the evening news there is a lot of discussion and information about how to keep teens safe online, but there isn't much discussion about how to keep adults safe. The consensus may be that because someone is an adult, they already know how to stay safe online. Adults can be just as vulnerable as kids, especially those who are not accustomed to online networking.

1. Don’t Reveal Too Much. When you join a social networking website, most ask for a username, gender, country/state and zip code (postcode). This information is usually displayed on your personal profile. Revealing more information such as your last name and address is not recommended since it is impossible to know the mindset of every person who views your profile. For example, if you describe where you live in detail or reveal where you work and your zip code is already posted on your profile, someone could track you down even if they only knew your first name. It just takes one person with criminal intentions to put you at risk.

Don’t reveal too much about where you live even if you have friends in your online network and you feel you can trust them. You never truly know whom you’re communicating with until you meet them face-to-face and spend time to get to know them.

2. Be on Guard. Many networking members keep a layer of anonymity by creating a unique username (one that doesn’t resemble their real name) you can even register your account with an alias and phony location. Always keep in mind that personal information, comments and photos that you post on your personal profile are viewable by the public even if your profile is limited to your circle of friends. Someone in your network could share your webpage address or contact information with people you don’t know and those people could share the information with their friends and so on. While you are chatting online, be wary of people who want to know intimate details about you or seem too eager to meet you in person.

If, after a period of time, you decide to meet someone from your network, make sure to bring a friend and meet in a public place. Plan on your friend accompanying you for the entire meeting since introductions and a few minutes of chitchat is not enough time to get to know someone. As an extra precaution, bring a friend along for the next few get-togethers.

Social networking websites allow you to express yourself, share ideas and interests, chat with friends and meet new people. Just remember that following a few precautions will go a long way to protect your privacy and safety.