If you surf the 'Net at all, you've at least heard of "social networking" sites like MySpace, FaceBook and the rest of them. Social 'networking (pun was intended, I think) is a way of putting a fair amount of personal information, photos, stories or whatever on a community website and hooking up with other people. The idea is good. It puts people of similar interests together regardless of geographic location.
There are inherent dangers, however, as teens and parents have found to their dismay. So obviously, due prudence is required. There are numerous sites for this kind of viral socializing.
Web Socializing
I decided to try some to see if I could locate a few old friends and spread the word a little about DemystifyingDigital.com and my blog, Women Day by Day.
At MySpace it was pretty easy to get started. From their start page, I clicked "sign up" and found a form asking the usual info: Name, email address, create a password, etc. It asks, as does FaceBook, birthdate and gender.
From there, it was easy to add a photo, type in favorite songs and movies and stuff. I deployed all that (still easy-to-fill-in forms). Then, I became immobilized. Every person I know under 30 navigates this thing like it's their own neighborhood. I found it too big, with too many options, too many members. Like trying to hold a friendly conversation with half the free world.
Sure, by trial and error I found groups of mature adults by searching combinations of baby boomer, 50+, and 50 plus, but not many members stick around. I have 3 "friends" there. Gathering hundreds seems to be the point.
Off to FaceBook which didn't seem as humongous, and was similar. Created for college students, it's morphing to include other people. I had difficulty locating groups that fit me.
Then there's Twitter -- a concept I have trouble with. You sign up, log in, and type in random one-liners about what you're doing, what you're listening to, or anything you want.
I can't figure out where I'd find time to Twitter, but it's gaining attention. It'll either be the next great iteration of instant messaging (to a couple hundred thousand people at once) or the latest loser.
For Older Generations
Lastly, the one I enjoy most and have gotten a little addicted to is Eons. It's strictly for people on the post- side of 50. Members seem hip, interesting, and fun. Like me, for example. It was easy to sign-up. I can write a blog, create a timeline of my life, find other people to relate to or find a date (well, not me, personally -- my husband would object). I spend maybe an hour an evening there and have learned a lot, shared a lot and enjoyed the heck out of it.
There's a new kind of social site I like. It's private, password protected, and you decide who is in your community. One such being developed is Grandoodlez -- a site where grandparents and grandkids can stay in close touch, even if they live a world apart. Some of my friends from Eons and Grandoodlez hang out here at Demystifying now. Hmmm--viral growth. Cool.