SOCIAL OR PERSONAL: NETWORKING AS A CHANCE FOR BETTER UNDERSTANDING AND PREJUDICE-LESS SOCIETY

Various points of view are presented in the paper referring one of the many challenges the Internet phenomenon faces. Network as an arguable but useful notion in social sciences is analysed along with its cyberspace embodiment, social networking services. Their main characteristics are confronted with such a challenging issue of contemporary society as a need for mutual understanding, reduction of stereotypes and prejudices as well as commitment and engagement problems. Social psychological theory of inter-group contact hypothesis is examined along with the main principles that are characteristic to the Internet and electronic social networking; especially free choice and easy disconnection.