The Top 5 Social Networks Online

Social networking isn't just for Generation Y. But choosing which social networking sites to use may take more time for the rest of us, depending on what type of networking we want to do. The best sites are user-friendly and offer several ways for you to personalize your online presence, allow you to bring out your inner rock star, jumpstart your business, or just share your good news with friends around the world.

Facebook

Without a doubt, Facebook rules the social networking galaxy. With the number of users growing exponentially, your ability to connect with people is virtually endless. What distinguishes Facebook from the pack is its optimal privacy settings, allowing users to customize what profile information can be shown to whom. Facebook is also famous for its wide range of online groups you can join, from Beatles Fans From Around the World to Stop Global Warming to I Flip My Pillow Over To Get the Cold Side.

MySpace

MySpace is similar to Facebook, albeit with fewer networking options. It also boasts massive online traffic through its site. The advantage it has over Facebook is that you can customize the look of your profile page, making it as individual as you are. MySpace is a popular source for musicians and artists looking to share music and videos.

Twitter

The king of microblogging, Twitter allows users to connect via short, 140-character text messages (tweets) in real-time, giving social networkers the ability to communicate on the go, latte in hand, while announcing to the world little snippets of news. The site recently created Twitter Lists, which helps users to organize existing groups of contacts and to search out new ones. It also recently integrated its technology with LinkedIn, so you can tweet within business networks.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn has established itself as an essential networking tool for working professionals. As a member, you create a profile that sums up your professional background and accomplishments, a digital resume of sorts, which you then share by inviting contacts into your network. You connect with new people via the connections to your connections, providing a valuable resource when you want to be introduced to a potential employer who could help you land a new job. Another special feature is the ability to search out contacts via industry or location, so if you are seeking an architect in Arkansas or an accountant in Alaska, you can quickly zero in on qualified people. You never know when you will cross paths with these contacts, so it's always best to stay friendly, but professional.

Ning

You can also create your own social network. With Ning, you can join and create a network around your personal blog or website. The basic services are free and offer built-in promotional tools that make it simple for you to promote your network and get more people to join. You can also run ads and get members to pay to post ads on your network, or you can post customized e-blasts to your community announcing events to those who share your interests.