These sites enable users to get together to exchange information (texts, pictures and videos) and, more generally, to communicate.

Each creates a virtual profile and establishes links with other profiles according to their affinities (personal, professional, common interests, family …).

FACEBOOK

• 100 million users worldwide, including 3 million in France (August 2008)
• established in 2006
• 1st busiest network in network the world
• 4th network in Europe
• Specificity: Exportable applications

MYSPACE

• million users worldwide (April 2008)
• established in 2003
• 2nd busiest network in the world
• 2nd network in Europe
• Specificity: Strong presence of bands

 BEBO

• 25 million users worldwide (January 2008)
• established in 2005
• 1st network in Europe
• Specificity: Popular in the English-speaking world, especially in Ireland

SKYBLOG

• 18 million blogs in the world (September 2008))
• established in 2002
• 3d network in Europe
• Specificity: Target adolescent, young adults