These sites strive to bring people of similar interests together in a “meeting place” online. Once a member of a social networking site, you are able to search the member directory, participate in discussions online, and share information and files. Joining is often free for a basic membership with upgrades of service costing an optional monthly charge.
With social networking online, it becomes easier to visualize your personal network. You can also connect people you know with other people you know by online introductions.
It is wise to exercise caution with any online profiles you create on social networking sites just as you would with writing and sending email. Info you put out there can be used against you.
Examples of social networking sites include www.plaxo.com, www.twitter.com, www.myspace.com, www.facebook.com, www.linkedin.com, and www.xing.com.