# Social Network Chamilo includes a built-in social network that lets you connect with other users on the platform. This feature may be enabled or disabled by your platform administrator. ## Accessing the Social Network Click **Social network** in the sidebar to access the social features. If you do not see this option, your administrator may have disabled it. ## Your Social Wall ![The social wall showing a feed of posts, likes, and comments from connections](https://3870221420-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FSHilSeDtvDev0n1c7wbJ%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-d48db17f6fb5f8fa657e0c73b4d5c4e064f65d9e%2Fsocial-wall.png?alt=media) The social wall shows a feed of activity from you and your connections. You can: * **Post updates** — Share text and links with your connections * **Like and comment** — Interact with posts from other users * **View activity** — See recent posts from people you are connected with ## Connections You can connect with other users on the platform: * **Search for users** — Find colleagues and learners by name * **Send connection requests** — Invite other users to connect * **Manage connections** — Accept, decline, or remove connections > **Note:** Learners can only search for and add other learners as friends — they cannot send friend requests to teachers. As a teacher, however, you can search for learners and request to add them as friends. ## Messaging The social network integrates with the platform's messaging system: * **Send messages** New message — Write direct messages to other users * **Inbox** Inbox — Read and reply to received messages * **Sent messages** Sent — Review messages you have sent ### Composing and Replying When composing a new message, you can address it to multiple recipients at once. Similarly, when replying to a message, you can include multiple users in your reply — useful for group coordination without a formal social group. ### Message Tags You can assign tags to messages to categorize them. Tags make it easier to filter and locate specific messages later, particularly when your inbox grows over time. Assign a tag when composing or reading a message, then use the tag filter in your inbox to quickly surface related threads. ## Social Groups Social groups allow users to gather around common interests or projects: * **Join groups** — Browse and join existing groups * **Create groups** — Start a new social group (if permitted) * **Group discussions** — Share posts within a group context > Social groups are different from **course groups** (covered in the [Groups](https://docs.chamilo.org/2.x/teacher-guide/teacher-guide/collaboration-and-communication/groups) section). Course groups are tied to a specific course, while social groups are platform-wide.