Finding old friends, keeping that often broken resolution to stay in touch more and updating your nearest and dearest on what you're up to has never been so easy. It started with Myspace and Facebook but has now spawned into a multitude of other networking sites. From the short and sweet 140 characters of Twitter to the niche networking sites for musicians and travellers, or those helping you do business, it’s easier than you think to get started. To help guide you through the options, phone and broadband company TalkTalk, with the help of TV’s best known gadget expert, Jason Bradbury, has today revealed a definitive list of the best social networking sites around.
At one point we've all made a promise to stay in touch, call our relatives more often or tell a friend all about that recent holiday. We've then perhaps only managed a postcard, rushed phone call or a hasty email with a few snaps. The explosion in social networking sites offers not just an easier way to keep people updated, but a fantastic way to look up old friends and take a trip down memory lane.
In the early days it was Myspace and Facebook that started the phenomenon - a ‘young person only’ domain. Now the latter has been invaded by the older generation with the former almost exclusively music related. In the past year alone, website Twitter, which lets members update ‘followers’ with their latest thoughts and comment, has grown by over 1000% and the UK has one of the most active group of “Tweeple” on the planet.
You can now link multiple social networking tools together so that when you update one, the others will carry your message; ideal if you can't decide which one is your best bet for reaching your growing group of friends and followers. Even when you are on the move, most of the networking websites have mobile phone applications so you can update in real time.
TV gadget guru Jason Bradbury is a huge fan. Speaking to TalkTalk he says “I use Twitter every day! I also check in on Facebook regularly and have had some special code written that updates both, as well as my blog, whenever I update my status. I know, I’m sounding like a complete geek, but the strange thing is, my Twitter followers and Facebook friends are a huge part of my daily life. I share my filming exploits with them, they motivate me when I can’t be bothered to go jogging, or share random thoughts about life that get me thinking. And we all problem solve together – a problem shared.. and all that! When I’m on location, I post a question from my mobile and there is always someone with an answer.”
High populations
One of the fastest growing sites on the web in recent years is www.twitter.com You may only have 140 characters to express yourself but you can do it on the move from your mobile and add images too. Many celebrities keep their fans up to date using Twitter, so a quick search will let you find out the latest on your favourite star.
The ability to create groups of interest between your family and friends and new people keep www.facebook.com up in the rankings. It’s also a great way to find old friends and colleagues and it’s easy to set up your own profile and get started.
Hugely popular amongst music lovers, www.myspace.com attracts a younger audience but is jam-packed with new talent and some more established bands who use the platform as an interactive fan club.
For the younger generation, the simplicity of features found at www.bebo.com make staying in touch a breeze.
Google’s offering to the world of social networking comes in the form of Google Buzz – www.google.com/buzz. Launched at the beginning of February 2010, it has been designed to simplify the process of finding friends, but automatically following the people you email and chat with most in Gmail.
For those a little less into chatter and more into photography then www.flickr.com is definitely worth a look. Think of it as an online photo album to store all your favourite snaps which you can then share with friend.
Parent’s place
“Social networking sometimes has the perception of being just for youngsters but there are lots of sites that cater for the older generations,” said Mark Schmid, Communications Director at TalkTalk. “Social networking offers a great chance for parents to chat to each other about things that matter,” he added. The most popular site is www.mumsnet.com offering forums to share advice or find a local event you can attend.
Travel tips
For those with a busy travel schedule, www.dopplr.com is perfect for mapping out where you’re going whilst keeping your friends informed. It will even alert you when travel plans coincide with an acquaintance so you can meet up at your destination. You can also find city specific travel advice and tips from seasoned travellers.
Find others online who have similar interests at www.tripsay.com. It’s an ideal resource for exchanging experiences and meeting up with like minded travellers.
Set up an account at www.wayn.com and you can organise meet-ups wherever you're visiting, plan trips online with others and use it to keep a diary of your trip for friends back at home.
Apps
There are lots of apps available which can send updates from the social networking sites that you use direct to your phone or desktop. Equally, they allow you to update your status and profile and respond to event and group invitations etc. Facebook apps in particular have become a huge part of how mobile phones are marketed. For Twitter, try Tweetie, Echofon and TweetDeck.
For singletons
Looking for love online opens up a whole new world of possibilities and the number of people giving it a go is increasing dramatically. There are over half a million members at www.mysinglefriend.com and in case you’re a little nervous about giving it a go, your friend will be there every step of the way too!
Kid friendly
For parents with young children www.clubpenguin.com offers a safe environment to play a whole host of games, personalise characters and learn about penguins.
If cute isn't your child’s thing then let them release their inner monster at www.moshimonsters.com and roam the streets of Monstro City, solve daily puzzles to earn the Rox currency and keep a Monster blog, all whilst making new friends. Along with ClubPenguin, the site has been given the approval of the EU TRUSTe organisation, recognising it as a safe site for children to access.
Business matters
Build up your network of contacts at www.linkedin.com a place to find jobs, people and new business opportunities.
Entertainment network
Share your film reviews at www.flixster.com a place to meet up with new friends based on your big screen favourites and flops.
Another popular site for film fans can be found at www.filmjamr.com. Join in existing discussions or set up your own film club.
Animal lovers
Share your favourite walks or grooming tips with the growing community at www.petstreet.co.uk.
