What is Social Networking Technology

Are you trying to figure out what is social networking technology? As social networks advance and expand, it can be difficult to keep track of all the new technologies that are out there. It can be even harder to determine which type of technology is best for you. The following is a brief outline of some of the most popular answers to the question "what is social networking technology?"

In short, social networking technology is any tool that allows you to access a social network outside of going directly to the social network's physical webpage. Each tool is meant to make accessing a social network more convenient and accessible to users. The hope is that if a user can quickly update a status or access information on a social networking site, they will be far more likely to use both the site and the technology. Social networking technology is an attempt to keep users "plugged in." Popular forms of social networking technology include:

• Widgets
• Browser plug-in's
• Mobile text technology
• Lightweight applications

A widget is a lightweight application that users often use either from their desktop or sometimes even installed on their website. On Mac OS, widgets are commonly used on a users 'Dashboard.' On certain Windows platforms, users can use these applications directly from the desktop.

In social networking technology, there is often a widget for each individual social network. Directmarketingobservations.com features a list of many of the most popular widgets. Some examples of social networking sites that feature widgets include:

• Facebook
• Myspace
• Gmail
• Photobucket
• MyPlaylist
• Tumblr
• Blogger

A browser plug-in is a small program that you can install into your Internet browser. Users can use the plug-in through the browser to access information from the social network. Some plug-ins, such as the common Twitter plug-ins, make it so that a user never really needs to visit the site at all, because they can update their status and receive updates from others straight from the plug-in. Others, such as StumbleUpon plug-ins, make it so that users can easily tag information for dissemination through a social network. For sites that track music, a browser plug-in actually helps users get the most out of their social network by automatically uploading music they listen to most.Mashable.com lists 23 popular social networking plug-ins that a user can use with Firefox. Social networking sites that offer such plug-ins include:

• Simply
• Orkut
• StumbleUpon
• Last.fm
• Twones
• Twitter
• Kaboodle
• Myspace
• LinkedIn
• Livejournal

Mobile texting is a common type of social networking technology that many sites are beginning to capitalize on. The technology allows users to receive texts on their cell phone devices. There are also many which include applications that users can download to their phone. The Iphone has taken this concept to new lengths. Blind dating site crazyblinddate.com uses texting technology to set users up on dates. Facebook allows users to receive updates by text from the site. Users can edit their status and other information by texting those updates. Twitter allows users to update their status on the go through text. Other sites that use texting to keep users plugged in include:

• Livejournal
• Tumblr
• Notemine
• Blogger

A lightweight application in social networking is a program much like a widget, however the program does not sit or function from a desktop, but rather as a regular installed program. The most common example of this is Tweetdeck - a popular Twitter application. One of the best features of a lightweight application is that it allows users to easily customize features. On Tweetdeck, each user can create groups and other functions that the site itself does not allow. A lightweight application for last.fm allows users to access radio functions more easily than they can by going through the site.

Social technology is meant to make the life of users easier. Each program works to combine an even greater level of ease in social communications. If you are involved in a new social network, be sure to look out for an application or other form of technology. They will make your life much simpler if you can find the one that works best for you.

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