More on Social Networks
The premise for social networking is 'connecting'. For teenagers it is about connecting with other teens and possibly making a 'presence' for themselves, hence the popularity of MySpace for the younger members, although MySpace appeals to a lot of older folks as well.
MySpace lets their members set up a personal page, sort of like a website. Members decorate their page however they want. They can add photos, music and post messages. They have email and can add their friends to their profiles. MySpace is one of the original 'Social Networks.' The members are of all ages and cultures and appeals to young members. MySpace is supported by advertising as are all of the social networks.
Classmates is also a social networking site, but this site requires a paid membership to actually work. If you join Classmates and don't pay the membership you will get tons of spam requesting payment.
Facebook appeals more to professionals and older members that don't care for MySpace. People can create ads (for a price) and get advertising for services and products.
Reunion. This was created by someone who wanted to 'help members find and keep in touch with friends, relatives and lost loves.'
There are a lot of other social sites that are not as well known. If you are curious, Wikipedia has a list.
If you are really in to social networking, but can't find one you like, you can create your own. Ning is just the ticket for you.
Now folks, while these sites are fun, and you may be tempted to join one (I am on Facebook) you need to know something important before you join. Never give your email password to one of these sites! While you are signing up, read everything very carefully! Do NOT get in a hurry and just keep clicking 'Next' without reading! This can cause you to send 'invitations' to everyone in your address book and make a lot of folks really mad at you!
If you do join a social network, don't add too much personal information to the site. There are a lot of unscrupulous folks who scan profiles looking for ways to scam you.
Something else to know about Facebook; all of those fun apps are third party applications and not part of Facebook. Facebook privacy may not include those apps!
One last thing, be careful what you post on a social network site. It could come back to haunt you some day.