Social Networking continues to grow by leaps and bounds with new social networks popping up all the time. Some cater to a special interest or theme, hoping to cut out their own niche in the social networking world, while others opt to go head to head with the big boys like MySpace and Facebook.
The following is a list of the top social networks that do not cater to a specific theme or interest:
MySpace
Launched in 2003, MySpace became one of the most visited websites in the world within a few years. With almost a billion visits per month, MySpace is the most popular social network. Aimed at a general audience, MySpace has something for everyone.
Founded by Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook was designed as a social networking site for Harvard students. After spreading from Harvard through the university ranks and down into high school, Facebook was opened to the public in 2006. Since then, it has been one of the fastest growing social networks.
Hi5
A fast-growing social network with a strong base in Central America, Hi5 has over fifty million users worldwide. While it is often found in the top 10 most visited websites in the world, it often fails to make the top 50 in the U.S.
One part social networking, one part worldwide chat, Twitter is one of the fastest growing phenomenons in the world. A mini-blogging service that lets you update your friends on what you are doing at that moment, Twitter was launched in late 2006 and had explosive growth in 2007.
Friendster
Launched in 2002, Friendster helped vitalize the Web 2.0 revolution of social networks, and was the source of inspiration for MySpace. One of the most popular social networks of its time, Friendster was overtaken by MySpace in 2004.
Imeem
Combining social networking and social media, Imeem focuses on sharing music, pictures, video and blog posts. Originally more of a peer-to-peer network with social networking features, Imeem has grown into a full-fledged social network.
Tagged
A general social networking site, Wikipedia reports that Tagged may be inflating its numbers to attract more users. The seeming lack of moderation for inappropriate material makes this social network unfit for kids.
Ning
Launched in October of 2005, Ning is a social network designed around creating social networks. Ning invites users to create their own social network by going through a series of steps that name the social network, select a color scheme, and allow for unique profile questions.
