Blog Icon Social Re-networking

by Shane Krolikowski / May 27, 2008

Have you ever signed up for a social networking site with the hopes of making new friends, meeting people with similar interests, and learning about events in your area, but eventually find out that your ‘social network’ is made up of people you have known for many years already? While the true intention of social networking sites is to interconnect people with the same interests, as Boyd states, "they [don’t] allow individuals to meet strangers, but rather […] they enable users to articulate and make visible their social networks" (2007). Take a look at your friend list the next time you log on to your favorite social networking site. When was the last time you added someone you’ve never met before as a friend? Someone that you’ve wanted to meet because they’ve shared a similar interest with you, and not just because you already know them.

Websites like Facebook and MySpace are the most popular means for social networking, but like stated before, they really won’t help you in meeting new people. Luckily for you, there are alternatives to branching out and making new friends, meeting people with similar interests, or learning about group events in your area.

A few options include: creating a hobby website to attract new people, joining a web/meet-up group to meet new people with similar interests as you, and trying other alternatives to social networking type websites. Below are the above-mentioned alternatives and their pros and cons:

  1. By creating your own blog or hobby website, you can attract people with similar opinions and/or interests. Some websites like Yahoo (GeoCities) or Google (Blogger) allow you to easily create a custom website or blog and list your site on an open directory for easy access. These services are free and easy to use for anyone.

    Even though creating your very own website or blog is simple, most people don’t have the patience. Plus, it will take time and patience for you website or blog to get noticed by others. Also, most websites aren’t updated regularly and easily forgotten. Nevertheless, this option is available to you even if you don’t want to meet new people, but just want to keep a live journal.

  2. Join a meet up group through Meetup.com or a web group (through sites like Google Group or Yahoo Groups). These sites provide a great chance to meet people who have similar interests as you. Joining is free and the site offers all the tools for meeting people simple. All members are encouraged to share their ideas and group meetings are occasionally set up for optional meetings among members.

    Most of the people in the groups are excited to meet new people and talk about similar interests. Having a purpose behind a group meeting makes it easier for people to talk with someone they haven’t met before. However, most group members sign up with the intention of meeting new people but never attend any of the meetings or group’s discussions. Also, some groups don’t schedule as many meetings as they should and the group members dwindle until the group finally disbands.

  3. There are a number of ‘social networking’ websites with different approaches to connecting with other people. Last.fm is a unique website that allows you to meet people with similar musical tastes. Lib.rario.us is another popular networking site where you can meet with people with similar literature or media interests. Although these websites ultimately don’t create social connections, they offer a unique way of connecting with people who have similar interests as you, through music, books, and other media.

Aren’t you tired of social networking sites, like Facebook or Myspace, connecting you with people you already know? Why not try and meet someone new and try any of the methods discussed above. They are al free and easy-to-use services. Go ahead and try them! What have you got to lose?

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