The evolution of online social networks
Filed under Presentations, Social Networking
Very interesting presentation by a Google UX researcher:
Here are what i find to be the key insights:
- Social networking is still evolving online because it’s still not quite aligned with offline social networking (our existing norms and habits).
- “Friends” is a very bad way to call our online social connections/interactions. The terms is much too general.
- New terms will need to emerge to describe strong ties, weak ties, temporary ties.
- We still need to design technology to suit a desired type of social relationship/interaction. One size does not fit all.
- We are still learning about the mechanics of influence online. Not as simple as previously though…
- Proximity is an important factor in influence.
- Emotional proximity is more important than physical proximity.
- We need to think about how we are letting users represent themselves online.
- Public does NOT mean publicized! The UX we create must clearly inform the users on the audience that will witness their actions.
- Privacy leads to trust when done properly.
- We must be able to let our users finely control every aspects of how they are viewed by their peers.
What do you think? Is your business model and marketing strategy compatible with these findings?
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Jul29
April 20, 2011 at 4:08 am
I loved the slide that says “social networking is a means to an end”. I find this is true with just about anything in biz and life.
I can see why all this is so terribly complicated and we’re stumbling around. It’s hard enough to sort through all the codes and behavior of people in real life as it is! You think, “Is this person a friend yet or just an acquaintance?” You can’t really put people in set boxes and the technology makes us feel like we have to do that.
That’s fascinating about how people grouped their friends in the sticky note exercises.
Imagining the chaotic way that things could turn if everything was flexible makes my brain hurt though. I can say that.
All in all, much to think about here for sure though.
Thanks for sharing this with me, Guillaume!
April 20, 2011 at 4:39 am
Absolutely glad i did
Who could have predicted a few years ago that social sciences would garner so much attention (and funding!) from the technology world!