Last week, I posted a link to a survey by synovate which indicated that globally, most adults don’t know what “online social networking” is, and the ones that do know are losing interest.

This makes sense, in the traditional sense of “social networking” online, which involves going to social networking sites to meet like-minded people. A quick Google Search, “define: Social Networking” reveals that most of the definitions online see social networking as being very “site” oriented. Adults typically don’t have time to go online just to find friends, and they are aware of the potential risks and dangers of participating in such sites, as the survey points out. The primary reason most of us might visit such sites is for the purpose of networking professionally, to promote our blogs and projects.

In the “real world” (offline), this is simply referred to as “networking,” and it happens everywhere - in restaurants, in offices, at conventions, on the golf course, in airports…wherever people gather. Since so many people are online, this is now happening online.

Online social networking involves, “Expanding one’s social network or sphere of influence by initiating mutually advantageous new relationships with people.” This can be done online through a variety of media, including blogging, commenting on blogs, linking with other bloggers, utilizing feeds, e-mailing, and participating in online groups (Google Groups, Yahoo Groups, etc), as well as visiting social news and social networking sites. Increasingly, virtual life is conforming to “real” life, and the “social network” is becoming more of an activity than a place to go.

Beginning September 30th, the WebWarriors of FHK (WWF) are planning to launch our first Web 2.0 Online Workshop, called “OK, I’m online. Now what?!”

In the workshop we’ll cover: (more…)