Social Networking

Definition
A social networking service (also known as, social networking site, SNS, or social media) is an online platform that people use to build social networks or social relations with other people who share similar interests, activities, backgrounds or real-life connections. Alternatively referred to as a virtual community or profile site.

History
Early social networking began on the World Wide Web in the form of generalized online communities such as Theglobe.com (1995), Geocities (1994), and Tripod.com (1995).

In the late 1990s, user profiles became a central feature of social networking sites. New social networking methods were developed by the end of the 1990s, and many sites began to develop more advanced features for users to find and manage friends.

By 2005, social networking sites' popularity rapidly increased. It was once reported that Myspace was getting more page views than Google. Facebook launched in 2004, and soon became the worlds largest social networking site in 2009. {THROW SOME SHADE AT MARK ZUCKERBERG ABOUT THE RECENT FACEBOOK DATA MINING LAWSUIT}

Examples of SNS

 * Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/ ) - users set up a personal space and connect with friends, share pictures, share movies, talk about what you're doing, etc.
 * LinkedIn ( https://www.linkendin.com/ ) - connect with current and past co-workers and potentially future employers
 * YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/ ) - users post videos, or video blogs [Vlog's]