If you use internet on a regular basis there is a good chance that you might have heard of websites like Myspace, FriendFinder, Classmates, Orkut or Yahoo 360.  One thing in common between all these websites is that they are called as social networking websites.  Over the last few years they have rapidly increased popularity. 

You will fully understand of their popularity if you have used a social networking website.  There is some attraction in these websites that they are attracting millions of internet users.  Due to a wide variety of diverse social networking websites available, there are wide variety of reasons for their popularity.  One of the common reasons for their popularity is their ease of use.

Social networking websites are many of the times easier to use.  You need not be a computer expert to use these social networking websites.  Here you will meet new people and discover your old friends. There are many people who would love to make friends online.  If there were no social networking websites you would have to connect with other online people, often in chat rooms, and get to know their interest before considering them to add as your friend.  Here these Social networking websites help you to get information about other internet users before making contact with them.

Another great reason why social  networking websites are popular is because they are totally free to use.   Apart from being free to use , these websites require that you register with them.  This will not only allow you to create your own profile or online webpage, but it will allow you to contact other members online.Though most social networking websites are free to use, some are not.  One such website is Classmates.com.  Many websites give you a free trial period or a free membership.  This membership may be used to assess whether the website is worth paying or not.  One nice thing about paid memberships is that only exclusive members join there.  Hence it is only limited to those exclusive members.  This works best at times because it abolishes those who creat fake account or whose intent is to create a controversy online.

These social networking websites are also popular since they come in different formats.  Website like Myspace and Yahoo 360 focus on different topics.  But there are few other Social networking sites that focus on particular points.  They may focus on a particular religion, or hobby etc.  Most good social networking sites limit the individuals that can join their network, thus making your online experience more enjoyable. 

Atlast social networking websites focus on meeting new people, specially those who are online. Recently social networking websites have added additional features only available to their online members.  Most social networking members receive their own free website, get free access to music videos, free blogs or much more.  Although social networking websites are popular enough to get new members on their own,  these extra features, in a way provide users with an incentive to join.

Here are some of Social networking websites such as Myspace, Orkut, Facebook, Yahoo 360, Classmates etc.  If you still want to find some more Social networking websites then you may do a standard search on google etc.