Research Topic:

As Team SHEBA, we chose to look at the benefits of social networks to businesses.  We began by researching popular social networks, their functions, their users, and their revenue. In addition, we researched the issues with social networks and potential solutions.

We evaluated the following three social networking sites: Myspace.com, Facebook.com, and Classmates.com.  We researched their owners, their revenues, their users, and their functions. Upon review of these websites and the general issues associated with social networking for business, we came to the conclusion that social networking sites are beneficial to businesses today.

Research Problems:

As social networks rise in popularity, there is increased skepticism as to whether the benefits outweigh the risks associated with using them. In order to better understand this problem, we looked at the most common problems associated with social networking. 

The most common problem associated with social networking is safety of the user.  The safety of users can be compromised in several ways including phishing, identity theft, and online predators.

Research Solutions:

Although the issues associated with social networking are very real, and potentially threatening, businesses can educate their employees as to the risks associated with social networking.  In addition, businesses can teach safety precautions to be used when utilizing social networks at work.

The benefits for businesses using social networking include increased customer support, customer and member relationship development, and to find and expert or locate knowledge. These benefits far outweigh the potential risks associated with social networking. Therefore, we highly recommend the use of social networks in business.