Abstract
In recent years, online communities, also known as social networks, have
experienced stellar growth. Beginning in the mid-90' s, social networks allow
individuals to connect virtually, via the Internet, based on common interests.
In the twelve years that followed, more than 400 social networking sites have
populated the Internet. As these sites struggle to attain critical mass and
retain members, they also search for business models to attract venture
capitalists and achieve profitability.
This In-Depth Analysis defines types of social networks, profiles
participants, explores popular business models, discusses the migration of
social networks to mobile technology, and incorporates the results of an
In-Stat survey about online communities.
Table of Contents
- Executive Summary
- Introduction
- An Overview of Social Networking
- Social Networks Defined
- A Brief History
- Types of Social Networks
- Social Networking Sites
- Business networking
- Common interest
- Dating
- Face to face facilitation
- Friend networking
- Pet networking
- Photo Sharing
- Blogs
- The International Spread
- Monetization
- Advertising Revenue
- User Fees
- Access to Member Information
- Mobile Social Networking
- Mobile Social Networking Providers in America
- Helio
- AT&T Wireless
- Verizon Wireless
- Boost Mobile
- Social Networking Users
- Younger Users - Thirteen to mid-twenties
- Career Aged Users - 26 to 64
- Older Adults - 50+ users
- Survey Results
- Social Network Participation
- Features and Spending
- Preferred Communication Method
- Mobile Devices and Social Networking
- Conclusions
- Methodology
- Related In-Stat Reports
List of Tables
- Table 1. Five Popular Business Networking Sites
- Table 2. Ten Popular Common Interest Networking Sites
- Table 3. Twenty Popular Dating Social Networking Sites
- Table 4. Ten Popular Face-to-Face Facilitation Sites
- Table 5. Ten Popular Friend Networking Sites
- Table 6. Ten Popular Pet Networking Sites
- Table 7. Twenty Popular Photo Sharing Sites
- Table 8. Ten Popular Blog Sites
- Table 9. Ten Popular International SNS Websites
- Table 10. Mobile Access to Social Networking Sites
- Table 11. Twenty Popular MoSoSo Sites
- Table 12. Most Utilized Sites (as Reported by Respondents to Our Survey)
- Table 13. Reasons for Participating in a Social Networking Site
- Table 14. Features Currently Purchased by Respondents
- Table 15. Monthly Spending for Premium Services
- Table 16. Future Payment for Premium Services
- Table 17. Barriers to Purchasing Premium Services and Features
- Table 18. Respondent Willingness to Meet Online Contact in Person
- Table 19. Means of Communication with Online Contact
- Table 20. Respondents Using a Mobile Device for Social Networking
- Table 21. Barriers to Using a Mobile Device for Social Networking
List of Figures
- Figure 1. Market Share for Popular Social Networking Sites
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