Social network
A social network is an online service where people create a profile, connect with one another and share posts, photos or messages.
What is a social network?
A social network is an online service built around the connections between people. Every member has a profile, makes contacts – as friends or by following – and sees in a feed what those contacts share. Most networks add groups, pages for clubs or businesses, events and private messages. Well-known examples are Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
How social networks work
What you see in the feed is determined either by time order or by an algorithm that sorts posts by presumed interest. Most networks are funded by advertising, some additionally by subscriptions. The operator sets the rules, moderates content and decides which data it stores. A network becomes more useful the more of your contacts are there – which often makes switching hard.
What to look out for
Check who can see your posts and your profile, and set visibility deliberately. Public content can be copied and spread further even if you delete it later. Pay attention to how a network is funded, where it is operated and whether you can take your data with you and delete your account again. Do not accept friend requests from strangers without checking them.
On Friendstime
Friendstime is a social network and messenger from Germany. You share posts, stories and reels, create groups and pages, plan events, use the marketplace and stream live. The feed is set to “Recommended” by default; you can choose a purely chronological order yourself. Friendstime runs in the browser, as an installable web app and as an Android app. Ads marked as “Sponsored” may appear between posts.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a social network and social media?
Social media is the umbrella term for all services where users publish content themselves – including video platforms, forums and blogs. Social networks are the part of it where the connections between members are at the centre.
Does a social network cost money?
Signing up is free on most networks; you pay with attention for advertising or with a voluntary subscription. On Friendstime registration is free, and there is an optional Premium subscription.
Can I take my data with me?
In the EU you have a right to data portability. On Friendstime you download a JSON file with your profile, your posts and your comments in the settings on the web; it does not contain messages or image files.
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