Facebook, MySpace and Twitter

This light social networking idea is spreading like wildfire. I've heard people chatting about it, I use it, I know of a boss or two who hates it at work (because of employee usage) but loves it at home! Nothing is more satisfying in this rush around world than the illusion that we are keeping in 'touch' with those around us. Only one real problem. We aren't really keeping in touch.


It's a psychological palliative. A sugar pill cure for an ailing social life. Don't get me wrong, I don't care if it is a sugar pill! I enjoy it as much as the next guy. It's free, fun and easy to use. Can't ask for more than that now can we?
I do find it curious though, how people I haven't been in touch with since high school suddenly act like they've never forgotten me and are excited to hear my little posts now and again. I look at their posts and sometimes am reminded of their personalities, and other times get the surprise of my life at their thoughts. Were they always like that? Is that why we drifted apart?
Facebook has a lot to offer people who feel like they are alone in the world. Games don't hurt either. But they are all just items that sidetrack us in our day to day lives. Another of those little things that keep us so busy everyday that we stress out and get health problems. Or is it one of those little things that has stepped into position that actually help us keep our social sanity? I'm sure there are experts arguing both sides already.
One this is for certain, this particular fad has a bit of staying power. MySpace's internet presence started in January of 2004 and has 113 million users, Facebook was founded in February of 2004 and has over four hundred million active users. Twitter started in 2006, some say as a short form of the wildly popular blog phenomenon. Will they be around in ten years? I don't know. Often the popular programs fad off because of inability to be flexible and change with the times. Only time will tell if these three will survive the test of social pressures. My guess is that twitter will evolve into something else and MySpace may fade into obsolescence. Facebook... I'm beginning to think has some staying power. My bet is on Facebook.
[All facts were taken from: facebook.com, MySpace.com and Twitter.com]