Social Network - Characteristics

Now-a-days social networks are like air, water and food for people. One cannot live without sharing what they are doing or what they are going to do and tell the world about their achievements. And one question always haunts a novice.. that is "WHAT EXACTLY IS A SOCIAL NETWORK???"

According to WIKI "A social network is a social structure made up of a set of actors (such as individuals or organizations) and the dyadic ties between these actors (such as relationships, connections, or interactions)." Speaking in normal words... A social network is a place on web like a website where group of people can share the information, send personal messages or collaborate with the world by using only minimal amount of words. Various examples for social network are Twitter, Facebook, Linkdin, Myspace etc etc.

What are the main characteristics of social network? This is the question of vital importance.

• A social network is a user oriented website. What I mean by this is.. the users will build the network by connecting with friends, family and acquaintances. So when ever the user upload the new information that can be read by others and inturn others can also participate in the discussion or they can leave a comment, Unlike the normal websites where only one user uploads some information and world can read about that. Normal web is not build on network. Social network makes the life more colorful in the sense that any one can take part in the discussion which will show a new angle or concept in one simple discussion leading to new information.
• One more fascinating characteristic of social network is the interactiveness. Unlike the normal chatting services they provide gaming, polling etc etc. Which makes it more fun to use. For example there is a game called FARMVILLE which was very popular in Facebook. In this user friends can also participate in the game, like a online multiplayer game. 
• User can get emotional security with social network unlike normal websites. When ever one feels sad or angry about something they can update their status and friends and family can see that immediately and can give precious advice which will assure the user. So no matter what happens there will be friends with in the reach.
• A social network is also community based. This will create an opportunity for the people who share same kind of interests to share and to discuss about their interests. For example if one likes tennis, in that community all of the tennis fans can collaborate and share their thoughts , likes and dislikes.  This will lead to exchange of new information. 
• New relationships can be build by A social network. This will lead to human network, which will open the door to new horizons. New people can meet to be friends , to be life partners etc ..
• Meeting the old friends is also possible by Social network. For example if there is a school page then who ever had attended the school can join the page and meet the old friends. 

The above are main characteristics according to me. Even though one can argue or agree with the above, one cannot fully describe the characteristics of a social network. Because it is rapidly growing. Now one can create apps, pages etc which will help in developing business.