There are regular discussions surrounding the decline in social networks with apparent boredom setting in, but recent figures actually prove that the worldwide usage of the top social networks is on the increase. In addition, we’re seeing an increase in special interest driven social networking sites popping up – here a few that caught my eye lately:
Brand Republic is talking about Talk Biz, a professional networking website aimed at business executives, Techcruch is talking about SportsFanLive ““ a networking site focused on sport fans and their obsessions and the BBC is highlighting the success of a new social network called Hoff Space – a social networking site centered around David HasselHoff – which has more than 6,000 users!
Clearly there are social networks out there to cater to any interest! The great thing about the web is the ability for those with niche interests to be able to connect and find like-minded people. For some, the vast spread of emerging social networks popping up may have seemed annoying with people reluctant to have profiles on many different sites. But now social networks can be added to the list of online destinations for niche communities to connect and make friends.
Not that David Hasslehoff’s fan base could be considered niche exactly, but I am sure there’s only a handful of sports fans across the world!
Good post Laura, I think people are becoming a little bored with certain social networks after all there is only so many people you really want to hear from anyway.
The next big thing is the main social networks will drop their walls and enable users to share their friends etc across platforms. Myspace announced it recently http://www.chrisnorton.biz/2008/05/myspace-starts.html and Facebook will soon follow suit as people start to become bored with it. I am already hearing lots of people complaining about the new version. Niche social networks will work much better and will help people to meet others with similar interests.
Thanks Chris,
Yes I agree as well as an increase in niche social networks, the traditional networks will have to continually evolve to keep people interested – being able to share friends and content across the platforms will definitely be a welcome addition for many users.
I think that the main social networks will stay as a popular way to interact with your day to day friends and the niche ones will grow, paving way for new friendships with people of similar interests.