So far, these virtual mediums are efficiently enabling patients' interconnection which serves to better manage their individual courses of treatment, as well as physicians' availability to communicate with each other and so advance the practice of medicine. Although their current uses are more or less restricted, "industry observers envision a future where social networks are an integral part of the health care landscape"(Heckley, 2010)
Moreover, it is believed that individuals may, when using social networking, be more inclined to establish mutually benefiting relationships based on constant support, assistance and flow of information (Giffords, 2009). To expand on the peer-to-peer relational onset, it was found that benefits of online communication also include enhancement of people's ability to relate to each other, to understand and accept different viewpoints, to thoroughly express thoughts and feelings in an organized, fulfilling way, and to develop critical thinking skills (Hinduja & Patchin, 2008)
Thus, social networks might simply add another dimension to family communication. Furthermore, computerized mediums of communication are often employed mostly to keep in touch with relatives who are out of reach (Kim et al
Familial relationships have much to gain from expanding in the field of virtual communication, as well. The Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication examined computer-mediated communication in households and reached the interesting conclusion that members of the family who communicated in both online and face-to-face forms were able to connect closer than those who did not participate in the online activity (Lee, 2009)
In this light, it would be relevant to observe that social networking is an ideal environment to have a good time and share personally significant items, such as stories, music or photos, and maintain a close connection with various friends, regardless of geographic distance. In addition, other research studies conducted among adolescents seem to indicate that youngsters who initiate virtual bonds of friendship consider them to be as real as their other relationships, deeming them trusting, long-term and very meaningful (Mishna et al
To expand on the peer-to-peer relational onset, it was found that benefits of online communication also include enhancement of people's ability to relate to each other, to understand and accept different viewpoints, to thoroughly express thoughts and feelings in an organized, fulfilling way, and to develop critical thinking skills (Hinduja & Patchin, 2008). Another bonus of virtually perceived friendship quality is that social networks increase the possibility to connect with peers, and therefore boost self-esteem together with creating feelings of well-being (Selfhout et al
, 2009). Even more importantly, it was discovered that socially challenged teens should actually be advised to take advantage of online friendships, because they may act as initial propellers back into a safe and comfortable face-to-face interaction (Wolak et al
Twitter Evaluating Twitter as a Communications, Collaboration And Teaching Tool The ability to quickly connect, collaborate and learn from others is one of the most valuable aspects of social media today. The reliance on social media strategies by companies to connect with their prospects and customers continues to show exceptional value for customer relationship management and customer support as well (Bernoff, Li, 2008)
This is what Li and Bernoff mean when they talk about how egalitarian social networks are making communication and collaboration globally (Bernoff, Li, 2008). What is also apparent from watching the interaction of instructors and students in courses is how effective this platform is as a learning tool (Lowe, Laffey, 2011)
One example of this phenomenon is the tweets that have erupted over the current NBA lockout. When NBA owners declared a lockout in the labor impasses with the Players Association, Commissioner David Stern declared a total gag order on all involved on his side (Bradley)
Furthermore, sports journalism had been highly formulaic. "A reporter attends a post-practice media scrum and either writes or broadcasts the new he has gathered to the thousands of waiting fans" (Goodman)
Anyone who questions the value of Twitter need only understand the role it has played in the world. "In five years, Twitter has become an increasingly valuable tool for communication, powerful enough to help spur uprisings in the Middle East that have toppled governments" (Holmes)
Twitter problems were plaguing athletes early as well. "As early as 2008, pro and college players were being fined or suspended for their 140-character missives" (Klemko)
Michael Wilbon, a renowned sports journalist who worked for the Washington Post and currently works for ESPN, was the last hold-out in sports journalism. He "long avoided joining the social network, mocking the childish sounding site and professing to be above it" (Marcusa)
In early 2006, a podcasting company called Odeo, Inc., located in South Park, San Francisco, was facing tremendous competition from industry heavyweights, and decided to reinvent themselves (Sagolla)
Clearly, as a form of social media, Twitter is extremely influential. Furthermore, "sports journalism, in particular, seems to be a realm where Twitter has assumed much influence as a journalistic tool, perhaps for such reasons as a highly routinized news cycle and dedicated fan following" (Sears 1)
Present Not only has Twitter changed who is reporting, but it also appears to have changed how people are reporting. Research by Sheffer and Schultz suggests that sports reporters have responded to the introduction of Twitter, not by using at a means of engaging in traditional sports reporting, but by making themselves more like the lay person using twitter (Sheffer and Schultz)
When Chris Henry died of a fall from the back of a truck, which occurred during an alleged domestic dispute, Jay Feely tweeted, "Chris Henry seemed to have turned his life around. But you can't live on the brink of destruction without inevitably falling off the ledge" (Skolnick)
The idea of Twitter, or 'twittering,' is pretty simple: it asks the user "what are you doing?," allows you to answer this question in 140 words or less, and publishes this "tweet" online. "Online" means a tweet can be published through the Internet, mobile texts, and/or instant messages (Twitter
Other options were those that wanted my account to be tailored toward my recent website visits. I responded by removing the check mark next to the option (Kelsey 89)