Thank you so much professor @yohan2on for the lectures. Thanks also for this opportunity. For the homework, I am going to be writing on Facebook and Steemit under the social media category. Please join me!
Centralized applications are those applications that have different client nodes and operate under the control of a central server; while Decentralization applications are those that run on a peer to peer network connection without any central server.
[Image](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTUIrmNAT1ptxWRNSVxlphOwnW6S6Q0DL2BBO8izCj4KK0WmyQZ&s)
**FACEBOOK**
Facebook is one of (if not absolutely) the most powerful social media and social networking site out there. It us a centralized social site where people connect with other people through posts, chats, comments, etc.
Because of its ease of usage, Most people who know how to operate a mobile phone and internet have a profile on Facebook.
ADVANTAGES OF FACEBOOK AS A CENTRALIZED APPLICATION
**1. Facebook for News & Information:**
The centralized structure of Facebook makes it a real-time social networking site as it is one of the best sources to stay updated with the latest news and information.
2. As a centralized application, Facebook can easily be updated and this update can be communicated easily to all users since every user depends on the central system.
To the users, Also, certain updates could be made public, and if done strategically, it can be used as a portfolio.
**DISADVANTAGES OR DEMERITS**
Inefficient regulation and monitoring: Because Facebook is a centralized system, not all the nodes (single users) are effectively controlled and monitored. For instance, there are many cases of fake profiles which eventually lead to fraudulent activities. One should be careful about fake Facebook profiles, though, as they are usually created by stalkers or spammers.
**INSECURITY:**
Facebook unlike other dApps is very susceptible to hack. A Facebook account can easily be tampered with and the hacker may hide under the image of the real owner to scam people.
**THERE IS NO ENOUGH USER SATISFACTION:**
Here, Facebook users have limits as to what they can do since they do not have control over their account rather, they run under the control I a central server.
**STEEMIT**
Steemit is a decentralized blockchain based site which intention was to bring together content creation, social media and cryptocurrency world. The most outstanding thing about steemit is that cryptocurrencies are being earned on every post, making it unique from other social platforms like Facebook in this case.
**ADVANTAGES OF STEEMIT**
Security: Unlike Facebook, the security in Steemit is superb as there are different keys for different activities like posting keys, active keys, master keys etc. It would be difficult to manipulate these keys.
Also, the user alone has access to these jeys as they are not operating under any central server.
**REWARD SYSTEM:**
Steemit has a greater advantage over Facebook in that all contents created and all posts made are rewarded with cryptocurrencies like TRX, SBD, STEEM. These tokens could be distributed by upvotes. This doesn't happen in the case if Facebook as there are "mere likes" for posts without any benefit attached to it.
**CENSORSHIP-FREE:**
Unlike many other social media platforms where one can post and have their contents removed, Steemit contents are a fair game. Honesty is also a watch-word.
**DISADVANTAGES**
**1. Not Very Easy To Understand**
As a dApp, Steemit is pretty difficult for newbies to understand how it works except for people who have used any similar blogging site like Reddit. This difficulty make some people to quit almost immediately.
**2. Lack of Visual Appeal:**
Unlike Facebook, Steemit lacks visual appeal as it is a bit all over. It is only plainly visible on the main page. It's not very easy to navigate like the case of Facebook.
In addition, informations provided may not cover all aspects of life like Facebook where basically everything is discussed.
[Image](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ9TBaBK94_cFb379eGicIS9A0H5j15RqK8IFLfZjK-FQC7vMVv&s)
**CONCLUSION**
Facebook and Steemit both have their advantages and disadvantages. They both perform different functions. But for Steemit, the reward system makes it more advantageous over Facebook.
Also, the security on Steemit is tight compared to that of Facebook, making Facebook more vulnerable than steemit.
Facebook's popularity makes it a worldwide application. If Steemit gains such popularity, it may rule the future as people love to maximize profit by engaging in profitable activities.