Social Networking Sites

Many of us have go-to websites where we get our social networking fixes. For some it's Facebook and for some it's Google +. But what about each different social networking sites makes it appealing to someone? In my opinion, user base is the most influential factor. How many people do you know that use Google +? Probably less than that of Facebook. Human connection is one of the fundamental human needs and despite the fact there isn't a physical connection on Facebook, it's somehow comforting to know that 700 million other people are using it.

Facebook, once a closed social networking site for college students has quickly turned into a free-for-all. Boasting the largest install base, users can connect with almost anyone. One can share pictures and memories as well as connect with old friends. Myspace, the once pinnacle of social networking has sunk into oblivion. But what makes it still relevant in a way? I say music. Myspace is the only social networking site to really place emphasis on music. Band pages can be littered with original music to be played at the discretion of anyone. Additionally, tour dates and news are also on these pages. Twitter is, in my opinion, the fastest rising social networking platform. Conversely, I also feel it will die out quickly. Twitter is a way for people to send/get information to it's followers via 140 character messages. Extremely safe and efficient, Twitter does away with the elaborate UI of Facebook. No built-in photo storage allows Twitter to maintain relatively free server space. But what about it makes it so appealing? It's quick, mostly accurate and free. By the same token, all sorts of technology need to innovate to stay relevant and that's where I feel Twitter will fail. How much more can they really do? Finally Google + (G+). The newest entrant into the social networking world is a promising one. Offered by the advertising giant, Google, Google + offers a similar experience to Facebook with far more security. On G+, users organize their friends, family and coworkers into circles and share only specific information within those circles. The nice thing about G+ is it's connectivity to the rest of the web. There are these things called +1's which in essence recommend a website, story or picture with anyone whom you want. It's only natural that we share new experiences in our lives, and Google + takes advantage of that.