Social networking is an online network of friends, family, coworkers, and acquaintances that allows individuals to share information, different types of media, and stay connected in an informal non-intrusive way. Here are the top most popular social networking sites, what they do, and how you can join!
1. Facebook. Not only is this the most popular social networking site, it’s also the second most popular website globally. Originally, Facebook was created for college students to network with classmates within their school. Eventually, the popularity and demand to join allow new networks in, like high schools and businesses. Today, Facebook is open to anyone who wants to join. Much like other social networking sites, Facebook allows you to post blog-like entries, write messages on other people’s profile pages, play games chat with others who are online, etc.
Facebook is a great outlet for the sharing of information. Whether it’s a note, photo album, a group or page you become a part of, you can let people know what’s going on in your life, share memorable moments, or spread awareness of a cause or idea.
Facebook has become extremely popular just in the last few years. There are currently 350 million active users on Facebook, according to statistics reported by the site. All you need to do to join Facebook is set up a free account using your email address. You can also use your email address to find friends who have a Facebook account already, and invite people who haven’t yet joined. Find out more at www.facebook.com.
2. MySpace. Although MySpace has been around the longest of the three sites listed here, it is currently the second most popular social networking site, and is losing momentum. MySpace is much more popular in the US than it is globally, ranking number 6 most popular in the US, and 14 globally, according to Alexa.com.
Since its launch in 2002, MySpace was the introduction to social networking for many of its members and is most likely responsible the momentum for the popularity of social networking for many Internet surfers, especially in the US.
The site is much like Facebook as far as the ability to network with friends, share photos, and communicate in different ways. The most obvious difference between the two is the visual/audio playground MySpace users enjoy. Each profile page can be designed and formatted to the colors, backgrounds, fonts, and layout of the user’s choice. A music playlist of favorites can also be added to play when a person visits the user’s profile page. To create your own MySpace account, check out www.myspace.com.
3. Twitter. This site puts a whole new spin to social networking. Although some of the typical activities can be shared on Twitter, the focus is keep the communication short and simple. Basically, a twitter account consists of a series of entries that are no more than 140 characters long. It just a thought, a note, a link, a sentence—to let people know what you are up to. Also, instead of requesting someone to add you as friend to connect, you simply “follow” whomever you wish—and anyone can follow you.
This is becoming very popular for people who like to keep in touch on the go. Even celebrities have time to keep up with a Twitter account—which is what helped make Twitter so popular. Another perk of the simple layout is that it’s easy to “tweet” from your mobile phone. To set up your own Twitter account, g to www.twitter.com.
Whether you like to share your stuff, be creative, or keep it simple, social networking has a niche for you!
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Written by Hannah Miller, Online Marketing Representative and Customer Service, Copper.net. Copper.net is a nationwide Internet services provider that is all-American owned and operated. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online at www.copper.net! Check out my blog for more articles!