No man is an island. Socialising with other people is a vital part of human life. People usually interact with their friends or loved-ones through conventional ways of personal communication. Continued modernisation in society has greatly affected several interaction processes.

The Internet has now become an essential part of many people’s lives. In fact, a new online social network service was specially designed to help build effective socialisation between peers who share similar activities and interests. Social networks are available to those who are looking for new acquaintances and to those exploring new message services. Most social network sites offer e-mail and chat services, which can be accessed by any interested party. Numerous people from different parts of the world are now connected with this kind of interaction service. The most common type of social networking is that containing directories of common friends or classmates and those having specific options on how to interact with each other.

Some of the most famous social networking services are Facebook, MySpace, Nexopia, Hi5, Skyrock, Xiaonei, Bebo, Orkut, Xing, Cyworld, and Friendster (available only in particular places). Amongst these, Friendster, MySpace, and Bebo were the most popular services in 2002 and 2004. Facebook was launched in 2004 and rapidly increased in size. In 2005, MySpace was acclaimed as the most popular of all, having the most number of users from various places.

The continued development and expansion of social networking services has even extended its application to business and medical industries.