The term essentially defines the sort of omnipresent knowledge one experiences by being a regular user of these media outlets that allow a constant connection with one's social circle.
According to Clive Thompson of The New York Times, ambient awareness is "very much like being physically near someone and picking up on mood through the little things; body language, sighs, stray comments".
It encompasses various technologies and techniques used to automate, personalize, enhance, improve, and synchronize user's interactions and experiences within social networks.
Transparency, ethical considerations, media influence bias, and user control over data will be crucial to ensure responsible development and positive impact.
The transition from only having a few points of regular long distance contact, to being constantly available via cell phone, is what primed society for social networking websites.
The news feed automatically sends compiled information on all of a users contacts activities directly to them so that they can access all of the happenings in their world from one location.
Websites such as Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, and Myspace, among many others, have been used by people in all forms of business to create a closer digital/ambient bond with their clientele base.