What is social networking?
Social networking is a term coined more recently and refers to services or web sites that focus on building and verifying online communities of those who share common interests and activities. They can range from discussion groups and activity planning committees to political action organizations and social movements.

What are some examples of social networking sites?
Well-known online social networks include Yahoo! Groups, MySpace, Friendster, Facebook and LinkedIn. Due to the soaring popularity of the concept of social networking, niche sites targeting ethnic groups or specific interests have sprung up.

How do people interact on social networking sites?
Forming a social network online requires common access to some sort of communications software or open venue, such as a web-based forum or chat program. They generally provide a number of ways for users to interact, including chatrooms, instant messaging, email, audio and video media, voice chat, file sharing, blogging, discussion groups, and other social Internet activities.

What are the dangers on social networking sites?
Social networks can be a great way to meet new people, share ideas, and discover new interests, but are often frequented by online predators adept at winkling out personal information and building up trust through long-term confidence schemes. Because of the naturally trustworthy nature of people (especially young people), such overtures seem innocuous initially, but too much information given over a long enough period of time can give such unsavory types a foothold on someone's identity.

What can I do to protect my children or myself?
Be certain to pay close attention to who you or your children are socializing with in such networks, and monitor the information that is given out carefully so as not to make yourself vulnerable to unscrupulous deception. A layer of privacy between you and others can easily prevent many otherwise terrible Internet tragedies. With BadScreenNames.com, you can join the fight against online predators.