Not long ago, Web sites like MySpace, Facebook, YouTube, and Second Life were perceived as the domain of teenagers and college kids.

Now, online social networks are becoming a significant presence in the digital life of a more mature Internet audience. A recent study by Ipsos Insight found that one in five adults has visited a social networking site. Some sites, such as Growing Bolder and Eons, cater specifically to people 50 and older.

A range of communities

Social networking sites serve a variety of purposes:

• Online social networks are a great way to keep in touch with friends, family, and kindred spirits. You can share pictures and video, messages, Web links, and schedules, as well as find other people who share your interests.
• Social networking sites have become a common tool for presidential candidate and other political campaigns, as well as for promoting bands and new movies.
• Professional networking sites, such as LinkedIn, provide a way to meet with virtual colleagues and are also useful for attracting the attention of employers.
• Companies use social networking sites to deepen relationships with their customers. For example, the myNBC site lets users create profiles, read blogs, and chat with people who love (or hate) the same shows.

Your online image

When you join a social networking site, you open an Internet window into your life. Remember:

• Anything you post to a Web site is accessible to anyone in the world, forever. You may have difficulty removing your personal information from a site even if you cancel your account. Think before posting.
• Social networking sites may broadcast information about you to everyone in your group, or even more broadly, reveal your plans for the weekend or the fact that you’ve just bought a new CD or book. Be sure to set your privacy options when you first register on the site.
• Google yourself periodically to check your cybertrail. You may be surprised at what you find.

Proceed with caution

In addition to concerns about privacy, social networks raise security issues.

• Cybercriminals may use the trust they generate in a social networking site to involve victims in a scam or fraud.
• Identity thieves may appropriate your employment history or other personal information.
• Plain old thieves may check your vacation schedule.

Again: Carefully consider the type of information you put online and think about how it might be used for fraud, ID theft, or other criminal activities.

Conclusion

Social networking sites are a great way for all kinds of people to meet online and share common interests. But be careful what information you post to social networking sites. Anyone can access it, and it’s there forever.