The explosion of social networks like Facebook, MySpace and Twitter has seen a rapid shift in how the world communicates. Add to this the rise in mobile phones, especially those equipped with internet access, and we have a world becoming more connected than ever before.

People are now able to be perpetually aware of what others are doing or thinking or find out what is happening around the world even often before the news breaks in traditional media like television or newspapers. The article Towards a Socialised State’ in The Economist believes these changes are for the better, and that it is fundamentally changing the way the world communicates, by providing free and powerful tools to communicate on a global basis. With geo-networking applications that allow friends to find if friends are nearby being touted as the next big thing, one can definitely see the benefits.

But conversely, there are some who are worried that privacy may be lost in amongst it all and that with everyone seeking to jump onto the Web 2.0, and even Web 3.0, that another “bubble” burst is pending. But what you can’t argue with is the rising numbers in people joining social networks, even in non-Western countries where social networks like QQ in China and Orkut in South America are all the rage.

The burning question however, especially for those in business, is how can businesses utilise such tools? Many businesses have already created Twitter accounts and Facebook pages, but one feels it’s still in its baby stages, much like it was with the adoption of email and SMS many years ago. Nonetheless, the millions of people on social networks means it is something all business should keep an eye on.

Article Excerpt

WHAT will the future of social networking look like? Imagine this: your digital video recorder automatically copies a television show that several of your friends were talking about on a social network before the show went on air. Or this: you get into your car, switch on its navigation system and ask it to guide you to a friend’s house. As you pull out of the driveway, the network to which you both belong automatically alerts her that you are on your way.… View Article

Reference: The Economist, Published January 28th 2010 (http://www.economist.com/specialreports/displaystory.cfm?story_id=15350960)