Do you use the internet on a regular basis? If you do, there is a good chance that you have heard of websites such as FriendFinder, MySpace, Orkut, Classmates, or Yahoo! 360. What do all of these websites have in common? They are all social networking websites. Social networking websites, over the past few years, have rapidly increased in popularity but until you have used one it is likely that you are left wondering why. If you have used a social networking website before, probably you are already fully aware of their popularity and the reasons why they have become so for popular. There is just something about these sites that draws in millions of internet users. With a wide choice of different social networking websites available there is also a wide variety of different reasons for their popularity. One those reasons being the ease with which people can make themselves known on the internet.

Social networking websites are, for the most part, easy to use. Most are easy to navigate. In fact, many require little knowledge of the internet. In addition to being easy to navigate, social networking websites also make it easier to meet new people online. There are millions of internet users who would love to be able to make new friends online; however, that can sometimes be difficult do. Without social networking websites, you would have to connect with internet users, often in chat rooms, and learn about their interests before deciding if you would like to consider them your “buddy.” Social networking sites allow you to learn information about another internet user before ever having to make contact with them, users choose who they associate with, not strangers interrupting one's life.

Another one of the many reasons why social networking sites are popular is because many are free to use. In fact, the majority of social networking sites, such as MySpace and Yahoo! 360, are free to use. Despite being free to use, many websites require that you register with them. This registration will not only allow you to create your own profile or online webpage, but it will also allow you to contact other networking members and can provide a measure of security. Although most social networking websites are free to use, there are some that are not. Classmates is one of those websites. Many of these subscription sites give you a free trial period or a free membership. That membership can be used to help you determine whether or not the website is worth paying for. What is nice about paid online social networking websites is that many can be considered exclusive. Since most internet users would not want to pay for something that they can get for free, most paid social networking sites are limited on the number of members they have. This may work out to your advantage because it tends to eliminate those who create fake and multiple accounts or aim to cause problems online.

Social networking websites are also popular because they come in a wide variety of different formats. Websites like Yahoo! 360 and MySpace focus on a wide variety of different topics. This means that just about anyone can join in. However, there are other social networking sites out there that are designed for smaller, special interest groups. The focus may be on a particular hobby, religion or political following. Most specialty social networking sites restrict the people that can join their network; thus, making your experience more enjoyable. Finally, social networking websites focus on meeting new people, especially online, but over recent months, many have started including additional features only available to their online members. Many social networking members can now have their own free webpage, get free access to music videos, free blogs, and so on. Although social networking websites are popular enough to bring in members on their own, these additional features are, in a way, providing internet users with an incentive to join.

Mentioned above were a few of the most popular social networks that could be found online. Those networks included MySpace, Yahoo! 360, and Classmates. If you are looking for additional social networking websites, you should easily be able to find some by performing a standard internet search.