Interactive Social Networking with Facebook
Facebook has taken social networking to another level. No longer just the standard blog and post my stuff about me page, Facebook has turned social networking into an interactive platform. Facebook allow its page creators to interact with other online users (as with other social media sites), but it also allows users to have simple education tools, play games, keep track of bills, fundraiser and a host of other applications. Recent releases of new applications and partnerships such as HomeworkNOW, Cozybug and Pyro.TV are just a few of the many reasons why Facebook is growing its number of online users daily.
Incorporating student interaction in the educational process, Facebook will enable high school students to integrate their my.HomeworkNOW.com account with their Facebook account. Students will be able to see school announcements, alerts, and classroom assignments directly through their Facebook account. Is this a move towards increasing the use of technology in the schools?
Cozybug, an upcoming Facebook application will enable its user to immediately create classified advertising and garage sales listings right on their personal profiles. The user will be able to list ads, map garage sales, search across multiple states and have a safe place to conduct transactions. an alternative to ebay and Craigslist, this application takes traditional social networking to another level by incorporating the exchange of goods. Is this a first step towards owning an online store?
Pyro.TV will be integrated into the Facebook platform. “We are committed to distributing Pyro.TV’s growing network of channels wherever people are online,” said Ted briscoe, chief executive officer, Vibe Solutions Group. “Social networking sites like Facebook now have the ability to offer more than just embedded video clips to their users. They can offer a complete personalized TV viewing experience that requires no download and is constantly refreshed with channel content.” Is this the first step towards replacing television? Pyro.TV is still working on developing its channel offerings, so it won’t be a replacement just yet.
Facebook has a great selection of tools and applications for its online users. One of the things that Facebook seems to be doing is incorporating lifestyle into the social networking experience. MySpace doesn’t seem to hold a candle that, but one of the things that MySpace does have is the user base. Facebook’s strategy to offer more applications and partner with other businesses will definitely add to their strength as a social networking site. This is definitely taking social media to another level!
Photo credit: Missus L