Expatriate Magazine (13)

IN T E R N E T
SO C I A L NE T W O R K I N G
As an expatriate, it is diﬃ cult to keep in touch with good friends. Social networks, however, can put you in touch with
former classmates and old acquaintances with amazing ease, writes Raymond Cheng.
he social network phenomenon is something internet and launched an eﬀ ective appeal on Facebook.
T
most people have heard about, but many The network responded, and a virtual but very real
hesitate to join or try out. Are social networks dialogue between a presidential candidate and a critical
good or bad? Are they useful or just a waste of time? sector of the nation was begun.
There is probably a social network for every kind of Without a doubt these social networks have their
interest. The best known networks include Facebook, beneﬁ ts. As an expatriate, it is diﬃ cult enough to keep
Twitter, MySpace, LinkedIN, Ning, and Caringbridge. in touch with good friends, but getting back for reunions
Each has its own niche, and encompasses thousands and reconnecting with one’s past is a real challenge.
of groups and themes. Millions Social networks can put you in
of people connect daily through touch with former classmates
these networks. and acquaintances from many
Parents are concerned, years ago with amazing ease. In
and rightly so, about alarming addition, if you are someone who
stories in the press relating searches for people often on the
social networks to predators and internet, you may ﬁ nd Facebook
suicide attempts or worse. When a more eﬀ ective search tool than
millions of people are connected, Google.
unfortunate circumstances may Advise your kids to be
arise, just as in non-virtual life. prudent. Insist they do not post
Social networks are also blamed detailed contact information.
for wasted time, as young people Today anything digital is
especially tend to spend hours a permanent, as observed in the
day updating their proﬁ les and recent vetting for the Obama
following their friends. cabinet, where all emails and
This kind of earnest online social network footprints
social behaviour is interesting to have come under scrutiny.
observe. For some reason, kids Head-hunters and schools
tend to be extremely honest and also run Facebook checks.
open in online forums. No holds barred, they put it all Compromising photographs, even in fun, when posted
out there, truthfully and authentically. on the internet can be damaging. Responsibility today
If you as a parent try joining a network like includes knowing how to manage these environments
Facebook, at ﬁ rst you might be surprised at how many that are shaping our world. More and more, the online
OM friends you will ﬁ nd. But there are other bonuses. The social network will drive human interaction, both
.C
friends of my children contact me on Facebook, thereby personally and professionally.
bridging the generational gap, starting a real dialogue, So don’t ignore this trend. Face it, embrace it and
and breaking down barriers that might exist otherwise. enjoy it!
We can take the idea of authentic and inspired
________________________
online networking one step further by considering
the recent Obama campaign. The President-elect’s
For information on this article and other usefull tips for
ULFLEET/MARININI@DREAMSTIME
P
A
campaign made real use of the grass roots power of the
expatriates and diplomats visit www.expatriateliving.com.
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EX P A T R I A T E 51
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