Social Networking Sites for Grown-Ups
Not having grown up with the Internet, some of us are still a bit stymied by the complexity of social networking sites such as MySpace, Facebook, and Linkedin. With the exception of the latter, these media have the sometimes-reputation that they are for kids who have the time on their hands to keep up with their personal pages and friend requests, along with the willingness to share details about themselves that those over 40 tend to hold close to the chest. What is often overlooked is the utility of social networking sites for grown-ups: moms, retirees, businesses, and other organizations. Additionally, folks who are relocating may find networking sites useful in keeping up with friends and family. Following are some network sites of interest with a short explanation of their intended utility. 
Photo by luc legay.
For the uninitiated, a word of advice - Jump in. It looks much more complicated than it is! Most sites provide user-friendly templates to help you set up your own page along with support if you get stuck. All sites have a search bar to help you find other pages of interest; try searching by location, subject, or other keyword. You may get something that you didn't ask for in your search results so be prepared for that. Also, know that you don't have to have an established page to browse. Some sites require you to log in but you can register without working on your own page.
MySpace allows you to design unique pages and post information about yourself or your organizations. You can accept email, set your page to private, or leave it public for all to see. The "friend" section is populated by you; people will send you friend requests and you can choose whether you want to accept them. If you find a MySpace page that interests you, you can often find similar pages or interests by clicking on their friends' pictures. The VolNation has a page as does the Knoxville Coliseum.
Facebook was once a college networking site but now works a lot like MySpace and seems to be gaining popularity. Some say that it tends to have a more grown-up feel and tone than MySpace which they are leaving to the youngsters. Knoxville's United Way has its own page as does Songs of Appalachia, a group that features musicians from East Tennessee. If you look to the right side of their page, you can find related groups that might interest you, like Knoxville's Sundown in the City. Even our governor, Phil Bredesen, has a page on Facebook! Again, use the search bar to find groups or individuals that interest you.
Other sites aren't as well-known but are gaining popularity within specific groups. "Three focused communities have been growing rapidly this year: CafeMom, a network for mothers, Daily Strength, a support community for those with health issues and other life problems, and Eons, a social network for the 50+ set." For a list of 2007's twenty top social networking sites, click here. For another explanation of social networking sites, click here.
