Social Networking Websites enable the creation of groups and communities in cyberspace. Through these websites, people who feel that they share the same interests, activities, or simply wish to communicate with other individuals, can use their services in order to come into contact.
The most popular today are FaceBook, Hi5, MySpace and Bebo. These websites have become specialized in offering people the opportunity to create an on-line profile which houses the information they wish to share with the rest of the website's users. Others, such as Second Life, offer users the ability to interact in an unlimited number of ways in a three-dimensional virtual world through their avatars.
The information that people usually share on their profiles is usually about their education, where they studied, if they are in a relationship, what their general interests are, and what sort of people they would like to meet. Most websites also allow the users to share photographs, videos and music-playlists through their profiles, as well as blogs, which are electronic journals.
When using such websites, be aware that the terms of use may be quite complicated and in some cases may change without the service provider having to notify the users that changes have taken place. This raises the issue of privacy and the safety of your personal information.
Keep in mind that Social Networking Websites are very much public and when communicating with other individuals, you should be just as cautious as when communicating with strangers in the 'real world'. Also, the amount of personal information being shared should be kept to a minimum. You never know who may be viewing your profile.