Social networking has exploded on the Internet. I'm surprised the world wide web hasn't blown up yet. Or your computer. How do you even decided what sites to join? Is there anyone in this world who has time for them all?
Here is a lay-out of the basic social media websites you need to know about to get started. As time goes on, you can join more and more until you can't even get up from your computer. Because all your friends live inside of it. And what fabulous friends they are.
For the Student, Graduate, or Pretty Much Anyone:
Facebook
I will admit, I’m a Facebook user. It’s a fun way to keep in touch with friends, find long-lost people in your life, and post pictures to share with your friends.
I never get friend requests or sketchy messages from weirdos and Facebook never makes me uncomfortable. Remember to always keep your profile private! Not only to protect you from the world, but because your boss or potential employers could be checking up on you.
Join the social networking phenomenon with Facebook. You’ll quickly get addicted!
You Should Just Stay Away From:
Myspace
I mean, come on. Myspace? Really? Didn’t you get the memo that Myspace is a haven for all the sketchy people of the world?
Unless you’re 16 and desperate for icky attention, I have no idea why anyone would hang out on Myspace. Pages take 18 years to load and there’s way too many weirdos trolling around. No, thanks!
Um. You should probably just stay away from this one. Trust me.
For the Music Obsessed:
Last fm
Last fm is social networking for music lovers. It organizes all your music by what you’re listening to the most, recommends people to you based on your music tastes, recommends new music to you, and gives you pictures, lyrics, and samples from your favorite bands and artists.
Show everyone what you’re listening to and discover new music by joining Last fm.
For the Professional:
Linkedin
Linedin is the social network for professionals. Basically, you write your professional profile or pretty much your resume. Then you add people you know as connections. They can be friends or people you’ve worked with. People who know the quality of your work can write recommendations of you.
Linkedin isn’t really a whole lot of fun, but I totally get its value.
Build your professional connections and find present and former collegues with Linked in.
For the Old School Social Networker:
Friendster
Friendster is what many think of as the first of the social networking sites. I joined for a bit in college, had about 6 friends and one picture up, and then promptly forgot all about it. Until Myspace and Facebook came along and I thought, “huh, those sound familiar.” Poor Friendster, nobody joins it anymore. Will it ever make a comeback?
If you haven’t joined Friendster yet, you’ve already missed the boat big time. And if you have joined and are still hanging out there, why? Seriously, fill us in. Is there lots of action happening over there?
This video does the most amazing job at describing various social networking applications. I LOVE it!!
For the Social Media Obsessed:
FriendFeed
FriendFeed is the ultimate of all social networks because it combines them all. Choose who you want to follow and learn about ALL their updates. Yes, all. From when they post a new blog, when they update their Twitter status, add music to their Last fm, add photos to Flickr, etc., etc.
It’s awesome but can be a little overwhelming at times since some people are constantly updating everything!
Stay on top of what everyone in your network is doing at all times by joining FriendFeed!
For the Up-to-the-Minute Updater:
Twitter
Twitter is my newest obsession and most people just don’t understand it. It’s an awesome resource for hearing about the latest and greatest in the tech/online media industry and connecting with the brightest. It’s the fastest way to get a question answered and the best for learning a new fact or tool before anyone else.
When China was hit with an earthquake, news of it was first announced in the U.S. on Twitter (by Robert Scoble). It’s not just a stalking device…Twitter has HUGE value that you have to see to believe.
You can also use Twitter to let everyone know what you’re doing at all times. But beware the trouble this can cause!
Start tweeting! And reading everyone else’s tweets by getting your own Twitter account.
For the Social Networking Gamer:
Second Life
I’ve never played Second Life before, but from what I hear, it’s highly addictive. You create your own virtual worlds and characters all while interacting with people from all over the world. It’s almost like you’re living two lives. I barely have enough time for one, so I refuse to get involved.