Social networking is the buzz word of the moment, it’s a general term for the process of people making social connections via the internet.

Social media describe the online tools and platforms that people use to engage in social networking. The most popular social networking tools are Web site services (such as Friendster, MySpace or LinkedIn), blogs, podcasts, message boards and vlogs.

Some of the most popular Web sites that have emerged to facilitate social networking are YouTube, Flickr and Blogger. Most of these sites offer free accounts and everyone has the desire to share their experiences with the wider world - to be social.

MySpace has become particularly popular with a new generation of internet users who are tapping into alternative and mainstream culture alike, setting up their own ‘free’ Web sites. Recently the UK pop-singer Lily Allen achieved the first number one hit single based on download sales alone, by building a strong fan base via her MySpace page.

MySpace offers people the chance to express themselves, especially through music, video and photography. It’s easy to ask other users on MySpace to be your friend, allowing you to expand your social network and share your thoughts and ideas with a larger audience.

I have a friend from Melbourne who met his Japanese wife via Friendster. Through profile matching it’s easy to find someone with the same interests as you, even if it’s as obscure as Fanzine collecting.

Many companies are now leveraging these social networking Web sites to access new customers or build and maintain customer loyalty. What better way to sell the new Nokia E-series that through a dedicated fan-blog. Sponsored by Nokia? Paid by Nokia? Who knows…but it’s working.

See this wiki List of social networking websites for a comprehensive list.

Carl Panczak, General Manager, Sydney

Labels: Web Culture and Trends