Mobile social network
Encyclopedia
Mobile social networking is social networking where one or more individuals of similar interests or commonalities, conversing and connecting with one another using the mobile phone. Much like web based social networking, mobile social networking occurs in virtual communities. A current trend for Internet social networking websites such as Bebo
, MySpace
and Facebook
is to turn mobile. In parallel, native mobile social networks have been created like Foursquare
and Gowalla
.
Initially, there were two basic types of mobile social networks. The first is companies that partner with wireless phone carriers to distribute their communities via the default start pages on mobile phone browsers, an example is JuiceCaster
. The second type is companies that do not have such carrier relationships (also known as "off deck") and rely on other methods to attract users.
While mobile web evolved from proprietary mobile technologies and networks to full mobile access to the internet, the distinction has changed to the following two types: the first is web based social networks being extended for mobile access through mobile browsers and smartphone
apps
, the second type is native mobile social networks with dedicated focus on mobile use like mobile communication, location-based service
s, augmented reality
requiring mobile devices and technology.
Advances in hardware and software technology have facilitated the existence of these mobile virtual communities. Industry wireless network technologies include SMS
, WAP
, Java
, BREW and i-mode
. Previous focus on wireless network technologies and functionalities has been extended to multimedia and satellite navigation by new and improved technologies like camera and GPS integrated in mobile devices. Combination of these 3 areas of technology in Web 2.0
and Web 3.0 extended the focus of mobile social networks to new areas, functionalities and technologies like cloud computing
, user-generated content (UGC), location-based service
s (LBS), augmented reality (AR)
.
Japan, Korea and China have much higher usage of mobile social networks than Western countries, generally thanks to better mobile networks and data pricing (flat rate notably is widespread in Japan). Most of them are extensions of PC-based services, but others are pure mobile-focused offerings. Examples are Cyworld
(South Korea, web+mobile) and Tencent QQ
(China, web+mobile). In Japan where 3G networks achieved over 80% user penetration, numerous other mobile SNS have popped up.
With the current software that is available, interactions within mobile social networks are not limited to exchanging simple text messages on a 1-to-1 basis (SMS) but enable sharing of multimedia content (photos, videos, weblinks, locations, etc.) and group messaging with family and friends or the public. The ecosystem is constantly evolving towards more sophisticated and more real-time interactions of virtual internet communities and private groups.
A lot of mobile social networks are region specific and catering to the non global platform as Facebook/Orkut markets where mobile internet is growing faster than PC based internet usage.
Bebo
Bebo is a social networking website launched in July 2005. It is currently owned and operated by Criterion Capital Partners after taking over from AOL in June 2010....
, MySpace
MySpace
Myspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....
and Facebook
Facebook
Facebook is a social networking service and website launched in February 2004, operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc. , Facebook has more than 800 million active users. Users must register before using the site, after which they may create a personal profile, add other users as...
is to turn mobile. In parallel, native mobile social networks have been created like Foursquare
Foursquare (service)
Foursquare, stylized as foursquare, is a location-based social networking website for mobile devices, such as smartphones. Users "check-in" at venues using a mobile website, text messaging or a device-specific application by selecting from a list of venues the application locates nearby...
and Gowalla
Gowalla
Gowalla is a location-based social network. Users 'check in' at Spots in their local vicinity, either through a dedicated mobile application or through the mobile website. As a reward users will sometimes receive virtual "items" from check-ins. Items have developed to become a promotional tool for...
.
Initially, there were two basic types of mobile social networks. The first is companies that partner with wireless phone carriers to distribute their communities via the default start pages on mobile phone browsers, an example is JuiceCaster
JuiceCaster
JuiceCaster is a social network specifically designed for use on a mobile device, also known as a mobile social network. Users connect to the application using a web browser on their mobile phone. The features of the site are similar to other social networking sites. Features include mobile chat,...
. The second type is companies that do not have such carrier relationships (also known as "off deck") and rely on other methods to attract users.
While mobile web evolved from proprietary mobile technologies and networks to full mobile access to the internet, the distinction has changed to the following two types: the first is web based social networks being extended for mobile access through mobile browsers and smartphone
Smartphone
A smartphone is a high-end mobile phone built on a mobile computing platform, with more advanced computing ability and connectivity than a contemporary feature phone. The first smartphones were devices that mainly combined the functions of a personal digital assistant and a mobile phone or camera...
apps
Application software
Application software, also known as an application or an "app", is computer software designed to help the user to perform specific tasks. Examples include enterprise software, accounting software, office suites, graphics software and media players. Many application programs deal principally with...
, the second type is native mobile social networks with dedicated focus on mobile use like mobile communication, location-based service
Location-based service
A Location-Based Service is an information or entertainment service, accessible with mobile devices through the mobile network and utilizing the ability to make use of the geographical position of the mobile device....
s, augmented reality
Augmented reality
Augmented reality is a live, direct or indirect, view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data. It is related to a more general concept called mediated reality, in which a view of reality is...
requiring mobile devices and technology.
Advances in hardware and software technology have facilitated the existence of these mobile virtual communities. Industry wireless network technologies include SMS
SMS
SMS is a form of text messaging communication on phones and mobile phones. The terms SMS or sms may also refer to:- Computer hardware :...
, WAP
Wireless Application Protocol
Wireless Application Protocol is a technical standard for accessing information over a mobile wireless network.A WAP browser is a web browser for mobile devices such as mobile phones that uses the protocol.Before the introduction of WAP, mobile service providers had limited opportunities to offer...
, Java
Java (programming language)
Java is a programming language originally developed by James Gosling at Sun Microsystems and released in 1995 as a core component of Sun Microsystems' Java platform. The language derives much of its syntax from C and C++ but has a simpler object model and fewer low-level facilities...
, BREW and i-mode
I-mode
NTT DoCoMo's i-mode is a mobile internet service popular in Japan. Unlike Wireless Application Protocol, i-mode encompasses a wider variety of internet standards, including web access, e-mail and the packet-switched network that delivers the data...
. Previous focus on wireless network technologies and functionalities has been extended to multimedia and satellite navigation by new and improved technologies like camera and GPS integrated in mobile devices. Combination of these 3 areas of technology in Web 2.0
Web 2.0
The term Web 2.0 is associated with web applications that facilitate participatory information sharing, interoperability, user-centered design, and collaboration on the World Wide Web...
and Web 3.0 extended the focus of mobile social networks to new areas, functionalities and technologies like cloud computing
Cloud computing
Cloud computing is the delivery of computing as a service rather than a product, whereby shared resources, software, and information are provided to computers and other devices as a utility over a network ....
, user-generated content (UGC), location-based service
Location-based service
A Location-Based Service is an information or entertainment service, accessible with mobile devices through the mobile network and utilizing the ability to make use of the geographical position of the mobile device....
s (LBS), augmented reality (AR)
Augmented reality
Augmented reality is a live, direct or indirect, view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data. It is related to a more general concept called mediated reality, in which a view of reality is...
.
Japan, Korea and China have much higher usage of mobile social networks than Western countries, generally thanks to better mobile networks and data pricing (flat rate notably is widespread in Japan). Most of them are extensions of PC-based services, but others are pure mobile-focused offerings. Examples are Cyworld
Cyworld
Cyworld is a South Korean social network service operated by SK Communications , a subsidiary of SK Telecom .Members cultivate relationships by forming Ilchon or "friendships" with each other through their minihompy....
(South Korea, web+mobile) and Tencent QQ
Tencent QQ
Tencent QQ, generally referred to as QQ, is the most popular free instant messaging computer program in mainland China. As of July 11, 2011, the active QQ users accounts for QQ IM totaled 812.3 million, possibly making it the world's second largest online community. The number of simultaneous...
(China, web+mobile). In Japan where 3G networks achieved over 80% user penetration, numerous other mobile SNS have popped up.
With the current software that is available, interactions within mobile social networks are not limited to exchanging simple text messages on a 1-to-1 basis (SMS) but enable sharing of multimedia content (photos, videos, weblinks, locations, etc.) and group messaging with family and friends or the public. The ecosystem is constantly evolving towards more sophisticated and more real-time interactions of virtual internet communities and private groups.
A lot of mobile social networks are region specific and catering to the non global platform as Facebook/Orkut markets where mobile internet is growing faster than PC based internet usage.
Further reading
- Lai, C.H. (2007) Understanding the design of mobile social networking. M/C Journal, Vol.10, N.1 (March 2007)
- Lugano, G. (2008) Mobile social networking in theory and practice. FirstMonday, Vol.13, N.11 (November 2008)
- Powers, William, Hamlet’s Blackberry : a practical philosophy for building a good life in the digital age, 1st ed., New York : Harper, 2010. ISBN 978-0-06-168716-7