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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
If you download content onto your Web page you can access it easily and at any time.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
MySpace<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n What is it?<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n Why join?<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n Privacy?<\/strong> MySpace members can control how other members communicate with them.<\/p>\n Cool thing:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n Facebook<\/span> Why join?<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n Privacy?<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n Cool thing:<\/strong> Get a virtual aquarium for your page. You or your friends can fill it with make-believe fish.<\/p>\n
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\nWhat is it?<\/strong> It’s an online community whose members create online profiles of themselves that only their “friends” can access.<\/p>\n