The Social Networking Guide for Newbies

Chat rooms.
A chat room, on the other hand, is a real-time conversation by instant e-mail with multiple people able to read every message. You can usually send a private message while in a chat room, as well. You may encounter a lot of Web language used as shorthand for faster typing. Both chat rooms and bulletin boards are overseen by moderators, who will remove inappropriate or tangential discussions. If you berate someone for their stupidity, or start talking movies when everyone else is talking board games, you can expect your comments to be removed.

Part III: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the benefits of a social network?
Social networks allow you to connect, and share information, with people who have similar interests. Some networks also offer tools for you to sell your products, ideas, and work. Others offer platforms to voice your opinion or showcase your finest achievements.

What is an online friend?
Friends online are similar to pen pals you may have had as a child. Even though they may live thousands of mile away, you can communicate with them, comment on their activities, and share photos or stories.

How do you establish new friends?
All sites are different, but most have tools to find certain types of friends. This is usually achieved by conducting a search. Each site may have different search parameters, but you can usually search by name, username, e-mail, keyword, or geographic location.

How do you reach out to new friends?
Some sites have forums, which are static, but you can post comments or questions and others can respond. Some sites have chat rooms, where people communicate in real time, and you can engage in an online conversation. Others have invitation features, where you invite these other members to be a part of your friends' list or special group. On most sites, you can request 'friendship' with another member and they can accept or decline. Now you are building your network, just as you may have filled up a Rolodex in the past.

How do I make a friend go away?
Most sites have a delete friend option. Or you can control friends by making your group private and not allow strangers in.

When people are trying to connect with you, do you get a regular email letting you know?
Larger networks notify you in your regular e-mail. Smaller ones may not.

Is content on social networking sites censored?
This depends on the social network you join. Most large sites have content guidelines and reserve the right to pull anything they find offensive or get complaints about. Many offer private content areas where there is no content supervision.

What happens if I see something that offends me?
Most have a feature where you can submit offensive items. Some sites may agree with you and pull the content; others may suggest you spend your time on another site.

What about calendars?
Calendars allow members to post timely events and share this info with their friends or pals.

How do groups work?
Groups are parties of people that share some common interests. Most social networks allow you to establish your own special interest groups or request inclusion in established groups.

Is social networking safe?
Social networking is as safe as you make it. Be careful and use the same logic you would use with any stranger. Do not share personal information such as your social security number or home address. The most common problem you will face is unsolicited contact from people you may not be interested in communicating with. These risks, however, are the same as those faced using an email account or, for that matter, walking down the street.

What is the difference between simple friend communications and group communications?
Imagine simple friend communication as people you invite to your virtual home. You control the people in the room. On the other hand, a group may be set up in which new friends who have similar interests find you and invite themselves in.

How do you send many friends a notice or piece of information?
Most social networking sites have your friend list in a directory format and you select the ones you want to receive the info. Other sites also have broadcast messaging capabilities, like the functionality found on Ning social networks.

Will I get more spam?
No, you will not get more spam. You may receive communications from the social network to alert you to updates, friend requests, or comments to your profile. However, most sites will give you the option to determine how much communication you would like to receive.