Mobile Computing and Social Networks
Introduction
Since the invention of computers, many developments in the technologies related to computer have occurred over time. The most notable development of computer is in the capacity to empower social media. Social networking has gained strength and people can exchange messages regardless of distance between them or time.
What is mobile computing?
Mobile computing refers to the usage of computing devices which are portable and they can be moved from one place to another. These computing devices are used for exchange of messages between people. The following properties are associated with mobile computing:-
- Portability – the devices can be moved from one place to another
- Allows social interactivity – mobile computing devices allow users to exchange messages. E.g. mobile phones
- They may be able to sense the current location and gather data about the location
- Connectivity – they gave capability to connect digitally to other devices. E.g. through internet, Bluetooth etc.
What are Social networks?
Social networks are simply, applications found in our computing devices, which allow users to have accounts in which they login and communicate with other users. For social networking to exist, there must be computing devices present, since apart from the application part of social networking hardware part plays an important role. The social network applications are made available for the user through computing devices, in which the applications are installed. For any person to be able to use social media, he/she needs to possess and account. In case one doesn’t have an account, the first step is always signing up.
Social network has been a place where people can meet and socialize. It has cut the cost of communication, since the conversations are done over the internet, which is free of charge, as long as your computing device has an internet connection. Which is the most popular social network? In almost every day, people are thinking of how the current social media can be improved or a new one created. The social media developers collect information from the user to determine the needs for future advancements. Researches have been conducted regularly to determine the popularity of the various social networks. In a research done by Patricia Redsicker, Facebook was reported as the most popular social network with a preference of 81.2%, with the other social networks following in the order; Twitter (43.7%), You tube, Instagram, Linkedin, Google+, Pinterest and Tumbril. Conclusion Social media has a positive impact on our social life, by enabling people to communicate without having to be physically in the same vicinity. For one to make use of social media, a computing device is required.