Chapter 2- Smart Mobs

In chapter two of smart mobs, Rheingold discusses the differences between face to face relationships and online networking. Online networks are far more advanced to the groups people find themselves in real life, outside the online world. When not online, people tend to find themselves in common groups such as family, friends, co-workers, and neighborhoods as opposed to them more distint networks found online. Online networks can arrange for people to meet others in similiar situations as themselves, for example single mothers facing problems raising their children on their own can go online and talk to others in an alike situation. These single mothers can then comfort in knowing others are in the same or worse situation as themself. Another positive aspect to online networking can be seen through other websites that allow strangers to get to know each other without actually coming into face to face contact with one another. Facebook is an example of this, where people from all different colleges (and more recently high schools also) can meet each other through common friends or common online groups. Online networks allow strangers to come into contact with each other without facing the risk of actually meeting a stranger in real life. Of course there are also negatives that come along with online networking, such as whether or not a teenager takes the risk of actually meeting a person in real life after only knowing them through online networking, but there are always going to be negatives that go along with every aspect of life. I believe that online networking is a good thing, allowing people to come into contact with others they would not previously meet.