The social network

According to Dale Carnegie there are four ways in which we connect with this world. Our evaluation and classification as suggested by him is done on the basis of,

1. What we do   2. How we look  3. What we say  4. How we say

In this day and age of intrepid modernisation, governed by ultra smart technologies if we are to consider Carnegie's suggestion, our perspective would need a transformed approach. Every one of us has been bit by the social networking bug and it wouldn't be incorrect if I regarded it as the 'next big thing'; may be it already is. So, in this virtual world where relations and connections multiply in the blink of an eye, many parameters otherwise ordinary suddenly surface as very vital. There are over 200 different social networking sites each with a distinct look, but facebook in itself has become a phenomenon and every other website tries to revolve around its style/approach in one aspect or another.

Let's take a brief look as to how Carnegie's suggestion if applied today would sound like.

1. What we do: We may be professionally anything, but what truly matters is are we big on social networking.  Gone are the days where visiting cards/numbers were exchanged between two parties, now the only question that is heard everywhere is "Are you on facebook?......cool. Just go to facebook.com/emescube and add me."  Even the visiting cards theses days reflect profile URL's of different social networking sites, apart from the cliched websites and blogs. So we may be doing anything during the day, but we all come down under one platform towards the end. 

I wonder, while we are engaged in socializing on these humongously time consuming networking sites, how many people are turning millionaires simply by our clicks.

2. How we look: This is a very vital aspect and no one would disagree. Be it offline or online who doesn't want to flaunt themselves. It is a different case if do not have the looks. On the networking sites however, a DP or a display pic is what matters. Atleast, that is what many tend to believe. A frequent of update of your profile pic is also recommended by many. There are some who like changing the pictures at a regular interval, while some stick to a single picture. Some put on a mask of a celebrity while some others put of pretty looking children or some random photos. Apparently, a good profile picture increases the probability of attracting more 'unknown' friends onto your profile, if it is the numbers you are aiming at. And, yeah a recent report suggests that by the end of 2015,  about forty percent of your friends would be bots. If you don't know what i'm talking of you better google it.

3. What we say: No matter how poor the language skills are while offline, each one on these networking sites attempts to be a smart. Updating status about the current happenings, sharing links of videos/sites/etc. onto the wall, taking up quizzes and many such acts is what everyone looks upto just to feel networked. And yeah, commenting on other's links, updates is also necessary if you want some responses in return. It is a give and take policy. In this race to stay ahead and look cool, many people sometime do not realize when their private lives become social. It is always good to get involved in a healthy debate over a topic that invokes interest/concern, and sharing of thoughts is also a very good method to reflect ones personality but keeping a tab on 'what we say', i would say is the need of the hour.

4. How we say: The sane amongst us always enjoy being governed by certain rules and frameworks. Social networking is as good as it is bad. It's a dual edged knife and the control certainly is in our clicks. A handsome majority of the users intentionally or not, reveal too much about themselves and do not understand how to start and when to stop. Unless you are bluffing, there's no need to panic because once we say or share something in this vast web called 'social network' we can't really do anything if matters tend to sway. Remember there are some dirty minds with profiles made up for the sole purpose of stalking. On the contrary, many brands/corporate groups use these media to develop the product related awareness and increase the brand value. Online reputation management is also one big thing many brands/companies are taking up for the good. It all comes down to what we want, and how we say that only makes things easier or harder for us.

Social networking no wonder has been acting like a wonder drug for the distressed souls, for those with low self confidence to go online and make an avatar and fulfill their long yearned desires. Some attempt to get laid while others get paid for the creative ideas to keep people engrossed day in and day out. A very substantial minority uses this to increase their marketing and enhance the asset values. So, if you want the impression of your profile to last in others mind, and want to build a social network that can be useful in more ways than one, you better give a thought to about Mr. Carnegie's suggestion while your network expands like a virus if directed correctly.