'From the Genesis of Social Networks and Beyond' cc: oct_network web3 web3writingcontest
In the early days of the Unixverse, many many milliseconds ago, even before the birth of the World Wide Web, social networks were created. But they weren't called social networks then; they were called electronic bulletin boards, or short "BBS" for bulletin board system. Granted, it's a bit of a stretch to compare old-school BBSes with present-day social networks, but please bear with me. I will explain.The BBSes of old had no graphic user interfaces.
BBSes often served as discussion platforms for their members, they were also used as libraries for the distribution and exchange of digital media. Everything from freeware, shareware, public domain code repositories, image libraries, pornography, and pirated software, good and bad had its beginning in the world of BBSes. But BBSes were not the only type of early social network. There was another one based on an entirely different concept.
They functioned as platforms for exchange, commonly focussing on a specific topic or area, like the Usenet, but in terms of community structure, discussion forums resemble BBSes, as they are typically run by a sysop "owner" who maintains the system and moderates discussions. Sometimes, discussion forums were also used commercially, for example for customer service, real estate sales, used car sales, etc.
While some consider this to be the essence of a social networking site, it can be argued that its main purpose is discussion, exchange, and community building, especially among people with related interests. This is something that all predecessors of modern social networking sites, such as BBSes, Usenet, forums, and blogs have in common.
What is more, corporations tend to put fiscal and economic interests before everything else, which means they do not always act in the interest of their users. Over the past decade, social networking companies have gained quite a poor track record for data privacy, security, and content moderation.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Social Media EditorCoinDesk is seeking a social media editor familiar with the crypto industry to develop a dynamic presence and engage new audiences. Sound like you? Apply:
Read more »
Episode of ‘Sesame Street' Allegedly Removed for Being Too Frightening Is Posted to Social MediaAn episode of “Sesame Street,” allegedly removed from syndication for being too frightening for children, has been posted to social media sites like YouTube and Reddit.
Read more »
You Bet I Complain About My Husband On Social Media'Yes, I go on social media rants about my partner — and I'm pretty sure it's even been healthy for my marriage.'
Read more »
Episode of ‘Sesame Street' Allegedly Removed for Being Too Frightening Is Posted to Social MediaAn episode of “Sesame Street,” allegedly removed from syndication for being too frightening for children, has been posted to social media sites like YouTube and Reddit.
Read more »
Episode of ‘Sesame Street' Allegedly Removed for Being Too Frightening Is Posted to Social MediaAn episode of “Sesame Street,” allegedly removed from syndication for being too frightening for children, has been posted to social media sites like YouTube and Reddit.
Read more »
Episode of ‘Sesame Street' Allegedly Removed for Being Too Frightening Is Posted to Social MediaAn episode of “Sesame Street,” allegedly removed from syndication for being too frightening for children, has been posted to social media sites like YouTube and Reddit.
Read more »