Networking
The term “Networking” was first used to refer to making human contacts through face-to-face interaction at events such as meetings and conferences. With the invention of the telephone, networking was made possible using technology-assisted interaction tools that did not require the need for face-to-face meetings. In the early 1980's, the term took on a new meaning when computers and modems were used to allow people to interact via email and other text-based conference tools, such as forums and discussion groups.
Networks have two basic components.
- Social Infrastructure (must have) composed of two or more persons engaged in interactions in order to exchange data, information, or knowledge.
- Technical Infrastructure (may have), such as computers, phone lines, and other technologies that allow connectivity.
Today, many modern networks are based on Social Media Tools, such as Twitter and Facebook.
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