Social Networks... [+rep

[Fehm]

Heyy,
Got a bit of ICT coursework, and because I'm too lazy to go out in the snow, I'll ask you all here :)

I've chosen to base my project on the recent development boom and general increase in the usage of social networks but what I want to know from YOU, the social network users, is this;

What do you look for in a social network?
E.g. What inspires you to sign up?

And Secondly, If there was a simpler way, more innovative way to connect with people, how would you like it to be done?

Thanks guys, All help will get an uber big +rep :)

[myke]

If lots of my friends use the network alot, then I'll join, what's the point if none of my friends are using it. Privacy also plays a large part whether I join or not.

For the second one, I have no idea.

[Mickword]

I look for my friends, fun things comps and people willing to talk about it in school, like habbo not a lot of people chat about it, so its not like a amazing social networking site. but if people where talking about it, then it would be great. even know i still play it.

[Caution]

If my friends or people from school use it I'll join, and if there's lots to do on it. (Facebook apps for instance.)

[Fehm]

Thanks guys :)
Rep will be given...

And it's number 2 I'm struggling with the most, any ideas?

[Black_Apalachi]

I only sign up to them because a lot of people I already know have done. I didn't get onto MySpace until ages after everyone else and I only moved to Facebook when MySpace went dead.

I can't think of a more innovative way of social networking, something to do with mobile phones I guess. But Facebook is pretty much perfect.

[Fehm]

Thanks
Edit: Can't give you rep, my bad... I'll remember you :)

Also;
Thoughts on micro-blogging... e.g Twitter? DailyBooth?

[Fehm]

Would love to hear more people's views on this.

The effect on society may be?

Edited by Laurensh1 (Forum Moderator): Please do not double post! :) Thanks!

[Recursion]

Friends, simplicity, ease of use, what I have heard about them. Facebook became a huge hit over Bebo for me because I didn't have to mess around with skins and the like, I could just go on, post what I like, upload what I like then log off again.

Effect on society? It brings lulz in real life if that counts, Me and people I know can often talk about something hilarious that has happned on Facebook which then sparks a conversation about said topic.

EDIT: Also the integration with other social networking websites and the fact there are clients out there for Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android, meaning I can use it easily on the go, wherever I am.

[MrGazet]

number 1.If my friends are on it.well close ones course
2.easy to use
3.fun,easy layout

[Fehm]

Thanks guys :)

[Black_Apalachi]

Thanks :). I have never touched Twitter and I don't know of anything else like it. I tend to stick to just one thing at a time, e.g. I never went on Bebo, just MySpace and now just Facebook. I also only ever used Habbox and no other Habbo forums.