Second generation of sites makes kings of users

Dubai: Social networking sites have been the key driver behind the recent explosion of the internet, more commonly known as 'Web 2.0'.

That is, the second generation of websites in which the user is king. And to be honest, it's not difficult to see why people are flocking in their millions to sign up.

In a nutshell, sites like Facebook, Myspace, YouTube and the like are all about human interaction, making the world a smaller place. Communication and contact is easier, whether it is between friends, family or complete strangers.

Simplicity is the key. Imagine you no longer have to gather your friends round to look at your holiday pictures, or email 100 people to let them know your latest news.

Simply post them to your profile and everyone you have authorised can look, engage and join the group banter (trading friendly insults), even if they are 10,000 miles away.

It's the 21st century tech savvy equivalent of hanging out with your friends. Except it doesn't matter where in the world they are.

Looking for like-minded people? No matter how niche, someone in the world will share your interest. The chances are that a Peruvian nose flute enthusiast group is on a social networking site somewhere. And of course you can upload your latest tootling on video sharing sites like YouTube while you're at it too.

Reconnecting

Keeping in touch or reconnecting is also a big draw. In the days before social networking sites, how would you go about finding a childhood friend, or the work colleague you were great pals with but for one reason or the other lost contact with?

Torturous at best. And mostly a total failure.

Now you can simply log onto a site and more often than not you'll find what you're looking for. I've personally tracked down (a somewhat inappropriate word considering I just typed their name into a search) several people with whom I have had no contact in years.

I also know people who discovered relatives they never even knew they had and seen friendships blossom between people who only vaguely knew each other before discovering Myspace or Facebook (away from the social pressures and distractions of 'real life').

Social networking can even help your career (business networking sites like LinkedIn for example) but most of the many reasons - it's great fun.

No, scratch that. It's more than that. It can even be a whole lifestyle.