As I research and study the dynamics of social networking I am drawn
back into the fundamentals of human behavior and thus start this thread
with definitions and observations as a beginning point for a series on
this subject matter.
The primary dynamics start with an observation of
sociology and psychodynamics. While this may be boring to some I find
it fascinating when you combined the two accepted sciences then add and
examine the implications of the emerging human network or human matrix forming before our eyes.
We start with definitions:
1) Sociology (from Latin: socius, "companion"; and the suffix -ology, "the study of", from Greek , lógos, "knowledge) is an academic and applied discipline that studies society and human social interaction. Sociological research ranges from the analysis of short contacts between anonymous individuals on the street to the study of global social processes. The field focuses on how and why people are organized in society, either as individuals or as members of associations, groups, and institutions. As an academic discipline, sociology is typically considered a social science.
2) Psychodynamics is the study of human behavior from the point of view of motivation and drives, depending largely on the functional significance of emotion, and based on the assumption that an individual's total personality and reactions at any given time are the product of the interaction between his genetic constitution and his environment. Psychodynamics is defined as the systematized study and theory of the psychological forces that underlie human behavior, emphasizing the interplay between unconscious and conscious motivation and the functional significance of emotion. The original concept of "psychodynamics" was developed by Sigmund Freud.
Taken together an emerging definition of "Social Networking Psychodynamics" could be organic social behavior in a technological matrix. The technological social matrix is a reality created by social motivators combined with technological enhancements in order to magnify and make use of the human potential as a network. The technology engages us by involving us and connecting us to the larger Human Network, or Human Matrix aka, social networks.
Examining these dynamics further we can see that technology accelerates human interaction (companionship) which enhances learning (gaining knowledge) that becomes an organic force which alters behavior. An example: MySpace enabled million of teenagers to form virtual relations, learning from each other which became an organic force, a swarm that has created one of the first models of a technology driven human matrix. Within this matrix resources flow to those that show some life. If a new product, new idea or new service begins to succeed it is fed more; if it falters its left to wither. Adoption within the matrix is about creating the "swarm" by understanding the different "networks" within the matrix. No wonder most adults do not understand the dynamics and appeal of MySpace to the younger generation. It is a Human Matrix unlike anything previous generations have ever experienced.
In 1998 Kevin Kelly writes "The tricks of the intangible trade will become the tricks of your trade. The dynamic of our society, and particularly our new economy, will increasingly obey the logic of networks. Understanding how networks work will be the key to understanding how the economy works" MySpace has created a social economy for the younger generation and they understand the "tricks of the trade" and create value for their networks, remember the previous definitions of the Human Matrix? Read it again slow.
Understanding and learning the dynamics of the Human Matrix for the adult population is just emerging as a potential "swarm". We're
still using first generation technology but enhancements are flooding
the market at rapid rates.
For the adult segment the "swarm" has already begun and grows in numbers daily. Once it reaches critical mass and the collective network silos can talk to each other seamlessly (SocialStreams Model) then a new Human Network will be born and the Human Matrix will accelerate "social networking psychodynamics". A new era will forge an exciting future and the Relationship Economy will be driven by the "tricks of the intangible trade which will become the tricks of your trade"
Are your ready?
What say you?