How many social networks are you a member of?

There are two perspectives you can use to answer this question. You can answer the question by number of commercial virtual social network services: AIM, MySpace, Friendster, Dada, LinkedIn, Upoc, Blogger, Match.com, etc. The second perspective to answer this question are non-electronic (i.e., traditional) social networks: friends, family, schoolmates, church or synagogue members, work colleagues, etc. 

My question is what is the intersection of the virtual with the real?

In my view, when real connections are reinforced with electronic social networking, the bonds of both are stronger. How often does this happen? We have seen many examples of real social groups using Upoc as a social networking tool. That is, a tool for facilitating already existing relationships (church groups, teams, work groups). This is mobile Internet technology facilitating the real world. We have seen many companies form Upoc groups to coordinate staffers at conventions; sales teams use text group messaging for pricing information; and teams have used the service to send scheduled information.

One trend we are now seeing is families using group messaging within the family calling group to communicate via text.

As social networking crosses the chasm to become the facilitator of traditional social networks, its already significant usage will explode by many orders of magnitude. This is a good thing for all the players in the market of social networking.

In my next installment I will share some interesting social networks I have belonged to and what they taught me about the nature of this new medium that everyone is buzzing about.