Recent releases
May 7, 2009
Internet service provider TDS™ warns customers to think before typing.
In today’s busy, fast-paced world, the popularity of online social networking is exploding. In fact, more than one billion pieces of content – photos, notes, and links – are shared each week on Facebook.
According to a study by Nielson in February 2009, “member communities” or social networks have become the fourth most popular online category. They are increasing twice as fast as search, portals, pc software and email. And the fastest growing age group of users is the 35- to 49-year-old demographic.
“Using the Internet to build your social network is definitely a trend that’s gaining speed. It’s not just for college kids anymore,” says Drew Petersen, director of Legislative and Public Relations for TDS Telecommunications Corp. (TDS™).
The top five social networking sites, based on number of visits, according to Compete.com are:
- Facebook — helps family and friends stay in touch and provides opportunities to share photos and post messages
- MySpace — is a place for friends to connect, blog and rank music
- Twitter — connects people 140 characters at a time
- Flixster — lets people share movie ratings and reviews with friends
- LinkedIn — unites professionals and encourages idea sharing, the exchange of professional information, and networking opportunities within the business world
According to their sites, Facebook has more than 200 million active users and MySpace is close behind with 110 million. Twitter experienced a 122 percent increase in users last year, leaping from number 22 to number three, to become the fastest growing social networking site. Flixster also saw its rankings improve, jumping from 16 to four last year. As for LinkedIn, they claim “a new member links in every second.”
While these sites are helping people communicate and make or reconnect with friends faster than ever before, users need to exert common sense and, like anything, be cautious. For instance, MySpace warns its users, “Don’t ever post anything that could embarrass you later.”
TDS advises people to use good judgment and to give serious consideration to the type of information they post publicly. Petersen says, “We’ve always encouraged people to think before they dig; the same holds true online. Think before you type, because once it’s online, the information you share has the ability to live on forever.”
Currently, more than 1-in-5 employers search social networking sites, when hiring, to screen candidates according to a survey by CareerBuilder.com. Think before you post. Your online behaviors could positively—or negatively—impact your employment. In other words, don’t share information on these sites that you wouldn’t share at the office (or be proud to share with your mom). Consider keeping all work contacts on a particular social network, separating them from your personal network.
Social networking, when used appropriately, can hold great promise. It brings friends and families together, expands one’s knowledge base, exposes people to new and interesting things and, in some instances, can lead to new professional and personal opportunities.
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TDS Telecommunications Corp. markets communication services to business and residential customers in 30 states through its brands TDS Telecom® and TDS Metrocom®. With nearly 1.2 million access line equivalents in service, TDS Telecommunications Corp. connects customers to phone, broadband, and digital television service in hundreds of rural, suburban, and metropolitan communities. TDS Telecommunications Corp. is the eighth-largest wire line company in the nation; employing approximately 2,730 people. The company is headquartered in Madison, Wis. Visit www.tdstelecom.com and www.tdsbusiness.com for more information.
TDS Telecommunications Corp. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. Telephone and Data Systems™ is a Fortune 500® company that provides wireless, local and long-distance telephone, and broadband services to nearly 7.4 million customers in 36 states, through TDS Telecommunications Corp. and U.S. Cellular®, its 81-percent owned wireless subsidiary. Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Chicago, Telephone and Data Systems employed 12,500 full-time equivalent employees as of Dec. 31, 2008. Telephone and Data Systems is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: TDS, TDS.S). For more information, visit www.teldta.com.
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