Social Networking is a big Deal. Designing it does not have to be. Business Networking websites, Social  Networking Websites, Sites Like YouTube, Facebook, and MySpace area all designed with one thing in mind - to bring people together.

A “social networking website” is one that allows Internet users have the ability to add user-generated content such as: comments, reviews, feedback, ratings, or their own dedicated pages.

A social networking site can also be a “social search engine” if it has a site-level search capability that allows visitors to query the user generated content within the site. Most all of these solial networking sites have site-level search capabilities and are therefore considered social search engines allowing their user-generated content to be indexed by at least some search engine spiders, so that their content can also be found through the use of traditional search engines. So, the terms “social networking site” and “social search engine” are used interchangeably.

Why Social Networking?

Through social networking, people can use networks of online friends and group memberships to create real–life friendships or start a romance. Besides establishing important social relationships, social networking members can share their interests with other like–minded members by joining groups and forums. Networking can also help members find a job or establish business contacts.

Most social networking websites also offer extra features. In addition to blogs and forums, members can express themselves by designing their profile page to reflect their personality. The most popular extra features include music and video sections. Members can read bios of their favorite music artists from the artist's profile page as well as listen to their favorite songs and watch music videos. The video section can include everything from member–generated videos from hundreds of subjects to TV clips and movie trailers.

What to Look for in Social Networking

The recent phenomenon of online social networking—made extremely popular by MySpace.com, has evolved to include more than the teenage stereotype looking to expand his/her network of online friends. People of all ages and backgrounds have discovered that they can enrich their lives through the contacts they make on a social networking website.

Below are the criteria TopTenREVIEWS used to evaluate Social Networking websites.

    * Networking Features – These features help members connect with other members such as a featured member section, photo galleries and a search function that allows searches by criteria such as gender, age, location and relationship status.

      Clicking on a member’s photo or name should link directly to their profile page; then you can post comments and invite them into your network of friends. Most sites allow members to make their profiles public, private or semi–private.

      A profile page should be a reflection of a member’s personality. You can post background information like your name, age, gender, physical description, likes and dislikes. Many sites also allow members to upload multiple photos, videos and music. The best social networking websites also allow members to customize their profile skins.
    * Extra Features – Most social networking websites provide extra features—music, videos, blogs, forums and groups, to enhance the networking experience and keep members coming back for more.

      The music section may consist of Internet radio or a large database of music and music videos. An exceptional music section allows members to browse or search for music by artist, album, track or genre. Clicking on an artist’s name or photo will give you access to the artist’s profile page. From there you can read the artist’s bio, related news, listen to complete songs (not samples) and watch their music videos.

      Videos are generally member’s home videos of various subjects or member–generated compliations of their favorite movies and TV shows—some are quite impressive. Some videos also include commercials, clips from TV shows and movie trailers.

      Blogs and Forums provide extra avenues for members to express themselves; they can access other member’s opinions and post their own comments.
    * Groups – Members who want to connect with people who share their interests can join groups. Many sites have regional groups so members can join groups close to where they live. Members usually have a wide variety of groups to choose from like Romance & Relationships, Entertainment & Arts, Hobbies & Crafts, H