What is a social network?

One of the best new developments on the web has been that of social networks. A social network is a website that allows you to connect with friends and family, share photos, videos, music and other personal information with either a select group of friends or a wider group of people, depending on the settings your select. Social networks like Facebook, Myspace and LinkedIn are great ways of keeping in touch with friends and family around the world as well as making new connections with people based on similar interests or professions. There are tons of defferent social networks that you can join – all for free.
Watch this Common Craft video for a great explanation of social networking sites:
Find out some more information about three of the big social networking sites below.

doityourselfwiz  Facebook

By far the fastest growing social network, Facebook has grown from just a college-age group network to a global, multi-age, multi-ethnic site. Hundreds of millions of people are on Facebook and millions more join every month! On Facebook you can connect with friends and family by searching for names or by view friends of other people you're already connected to, as well as through on site 'networks' that are organized around school, location or workplace.

Clifford Ray Smith MySpace

Myspace was one of the first really big social networks, and while it still has over 200 million users, its use has been steadily declining as Facebook grows. Myspace tends to attract a younger demographic than Facebook, and is particular popular with those involved in the music scene given the site's fantastic ability to promote bands and other music artists exceedingly well.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is a professional social network designed for business people or working professionals to make connections with colleagues and other business contacts. It can also serve as a means to make contact with potential customers, clients and partners. It allows members to post resume and work history as well as get recommendations from colleagues and former employers and employees.