What is a 'social network' in the context of technology?

A 'social network' in the context of technology is primarily defined as an application that connects people by matching profile information. This definition encompasses the fundamental purpose of social networking platforms, which is to facilitate communication and connection among users through shared interests, personal profiles, and interactions. Social networks leverage user-submitted data to connect individuals, allowing them to share updates, engage with others, and build relationships online.

The emphasis is on the matching of profile information, which is central to how social networks operate. They typically encourage users to create detailed profiles that can include personal information, interests, preferences, and connections to other users. This networking fosters a community where users can interact based on their profiles, leading to a variety of social interactions, such as commenting, sharing posts, and messaging.

Other definitions related to media-sharing or messaging focus on specific functionalities rather than the broader aspect of connecting people through shared profiles and interests. Therefore, the option that describes a social network as an application that connects individuals through profile matching is the most accurate representation of what constitutes a social network in the technological context.