It’s just for fun
The social networking sites are the latest Internet craze, but many people, particularly if they’re over 30, are a little intimidated by the hoopla.
There is no need to be afraid. The sites are just a fun way for large groups of people to share information, pictures or videos through their own Web pages.
Why not just do it on e-mail? You can, but the sites offer an easier way to share content. And besides, the server would probably crash if a dozen or so pictures and videos were sent to friends and family.
If you download content onto your Web page you can access it easily and at any time.
The sites can also be used to organise events. It’s not uncommon for members to organise a school reunion or for bands to announce their gigs to fans using Facebook, for example.
It’s also a good way to find work. Many of the sites have a jobs section. Social networking sites are becoming big business. YouTube’s founders – Chad Hurley, Steve Chen and Jawed Karim – sold it to Google for $1,65bn last year.
What is it? The users create profiles, like they do in Facebook, but these profiles are open to the public. A user has to become a member to make comments and access some functions on the profile.
Why join? MySpace caters to single people who want to meet other singles; business people and employees interested in networking; anyone looking for long-lost friends, and so forth.
Privacy? MySpace members can control how other members communicate with them.
Cool thing: Stay in contact with your favourite band. Local group The He-Shes have attracted a modest following in the US and even managed to get a fan in Japan through MySpace.
Facebook
What is it? It’s an online community whose members create online profiles of themselves that only their “friends” can access.
Why join? Facebook is made up of networks that are based on the users’ workplaces, regions or schools. These networks reflect the real-life communities of users and provide a way to communicate with them.
Privacy? The privacy settings can be used to control who can see what on Facebook. People can only see the profiles of confirmed friends and the people in their networks.
Cool thing: Get a virtual aquarium for your page. You or your friends can fill it with make-believe fish.
YouTube
What is it? It allows people to easily upload and share video clips on the Internet. You do not have to be a member to view the clip s.
Why join? Looking for an old music video – Brenda Fassie’s Weekend Special, for example, or a comedy skit – Chris Rock on Saturday Night Live? T here is a good chance you will find it on YouTube.
Privacy? Any personal information or video content “voluntarily disclosed” becomes publicly available and can be viewed by YouTubers.
Cool thing: Christine “Happy Slip” Gambito went from nurse to actress through her comedy skits on YouTube. Her video ha s been viewed 2,5m times and she has 60 703 regular subscribers to her profile.
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