Somewhere in our recent human history, people have become determined to share themselves, their lives, their hopes, their fears to a wider, broader audience. Perhaps this desire stems from the distancing of families across states, countries and continents. Perhaps it is caused by the growing egos of the human race. Whatever the cause, the result has been the widespread popularity of cell phones and the creation of online social networks.

All over the world, through every age group and demographic, people are drawn to these virtual hot spots to meet, mingle and share their lives with all. Most everyone that uses sites like Facebook, MySpace, Photospace and the like do so for their own reasons but there are typically a few main driving factors behind them.

Make and Sustain Friendships

Many users sign-up on social networking sites to sync-up with old friends and create new friendships. In our post-modern digital age, when a question about an old acquaintance pops into your head, there's less of a hopelessness feeling that you may never know the answer. There are now so many more ways to track down an old high school friend or a past-life co-worker with the permeation of social networks available. Many social network sites allow users to search by name, high school or company, facilitating countless unexpected reunions. Additionally, with typical features like the ability to search by location, interest, and age, many new friendships can be formed. You can join groups of like-minded people and chat virtually about topics that typically help formulate lasting friendships.

Get Romantic

Social networks have quickly become natural dating resources. Posted photos and lists of likes/dislikes help make asking those first few date questions a little easier. Even the simple ability to scope out your crush's playlist can be invaluable after all, if you're crazy about the same music, tickets to a concern may be just the right segue to a longer relationship.

Business Networking

Social networking sites are now also connecting business people, customers and agencies around the world. Thanks to the internet, business partnerships are no longer limited by location or even time zone. These sites allow potential business partners to easily and inexpensively discuss new projects and potential collaboration. Some business networking sites are also translating successful online connections to offline, in-person networking meetings.

Share with Family

So many families are spread out across the country and even the world. Social networks have become vital connections to the closest people to our heart, even when miles stretch between us. With social networks, families can share photos of holiday vacations, recent birthday parties, new babies, and older loved ones in safe environments. They can help families plan upcoming reunions, share wedding photos and information and even the passing of someone we loved. Social networks make family members seem not so far away.

Social interaction is a part of creating a healthy and happy existence. Though thought to be not quite as personal, social networks still play a role in this important interaction. They make staying in touch and updating those important to us on our lives easier and faster to do. They serve as daily or weekly reminders to let friends and family both near and far know that we are thinking of them. They are a modern element of our life that has taken a strong hold on how we interact with one another.

~Colleen Welch, 2009