Websites Similar to MySpace

With the age of social networking upon us, there are many -- many -- websites similar to MySpace where teens and young adults can hang out and meet others. However, what you find all depends on what you are looking for in a social network.

Ranked the number one social network for a few years -- it dropped to number two in 2008 -- MySpace gained popularity because it offers individuals a unique way to interact with others who have similar interests, hobbies, lifestyles, etc. MySpace, which tallied roughly 114 million users in 2008, offers registered users a place to:

• Share and host photos, videos and music
• Blog
• Communicate via instant messenger
• Customize profiles
• Categorize top friends
• Create and join networks
• Have profiles private if wanted
• Show moods
• Comment or leave messages for friends

After MySpace popped up on the Internet officially in 2004, other social networks took on similar formats as a way of gaining the same popularity. And for some websites, it worked. Networks such as Facebook, Friendster and Xanga all took off and slowly made their way up the social networking chain. In 2008, Facebook took the top spot away from MySpace because of its ability to reach out further into the global Internet audience.

With new social networks appearing online almost every day, very few have the popularity of MySpace. These websites are similar to MySpace because of all of the features they have to offer. Some are almost if not more popular than MySpace:

• Facebook: This network originally started out as a social network for college students, but quickly branched outside of the university system. Today, anyone age 13 or older can join the network and launch a profile, just like those who use MySpace. As of August 2008, Facebook had more than 132 million registered users.
• Flixster: With more than 54 million users, Flixster is a movie-sharing social network made up of many of the applications that make MySpace, Facebook and other similar sites popular. Users share opinions about movies and movie ratings. Here they can meet others with similar taste in films.
• Windows Live Spaces: Formerly known as MSN Spaces, this social network is Microsoft's social networking and blogging platform. As of August 2008, Windows Live Spaces boasted more than 120 million registered users globally. Features include:
  • Photo hosting and sharing
  • Lists (music, movies, books, etc.)
  • Profiles
  • Guestbooks
  • Friends
  • RSS feeds
• Friendster: Noted as one of the first social networks, Friendster is based on the "Circle of Friends" and the "Web of Friends" techniques for networking. This small world phenomenon, also called the Six Degrees of Separation, links individuals with others in the world. Friendster is popular in Asia, and is the second most popular website in the Philippines. In August 2008, there were more than 65 million registered users.

If you are looking for websites similar to MySpace so you or your children can stay away from them, there are many alternatives available that offer not only a safe haven, but also a monitored, cleaner and more respectable environment:

• MyChurch: A place to network with others from not only your church but similar congregations
• Xianz: Dubbed the "MySpace alternative for Christians"
• Christian Single Network: A place for Christians to meet other single Christians
• Imbee: Family-oriented network for teens
• MyFamily: A place for families to get to know other families
• Family Crossings: A safe network to share your family with others

If you are looking for websites similar to MySpace, you are looking to either find one because you like MySpace's format or because you don't. Take your time and peruse all of the different social networks available on the Internet. Many of the popular networks are legitimate. However, remember to use caution to remain safe online.

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