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From social networking for dogs to celebrity communities, this list showcases the 50 breakthroughs in social networking and online dating.
Over the last few years, we’ve even seen celebrities popping into the game, including: 50 Cent, Kylie Monogue, and Radiohead. We’ve seen charities embrace the medium, and we’ve seen people rebel against the medium.
In short, this list helps to illustrate that our world, and our online communities, are becoming more segmented than ever before.
Enjoy!
Hotter than Porn
New research from the Economist suggests that the web isn’t just for dirty sites anymore. In fact, traffic to net communities and chat sites are trending to surpass porn in the next few months. In 2006, Hitwise reported that 13% of web traffic was directed at dirty sites, this year, that number is… [More]
Social Networking in Politics
Savvy Canadian politicians are turning to online social networking sites like Facebook to connect with younger voters. Others, like Timmins, Ontario MP Charlie Angus, aren’t quite there yet. “Moving to Facebook is something we have thought about.” Instead of creating a Facebook profile, An… [More]
Celebrity Social Networks
As if we didn’t have proof enough of Radiohead’s forward thinking embrace of modern technology and marketing (see their Pay What You Want release of new album In Rainbows recently), the ever innovative band has created a social networking site called W.A.S.T.E built by interactive developers Nin… [More]
Rap star 50 Cent’s social networking site, ThisIs50.com, has reached 160,000 members. The staggering popularity of his site will no doubt inspire more artists to branch out beyond myspace and to create their own social networking websites. Using the network as a tool, 50 connects with his fans an… [More]
Australian pop sensation, Kylie Minogue, launched her own social networking site on Monday. Kylieconnect.com offers fans their own profiles, with the ability to chat with each other and contact the star through her own profile as well as read her blog and view her pictures and even download her song… [More]
Celebrities Involved in Social Networks
David Beckham channels action hero Indiana Jones in the newest TV ad for Pepsi which promotes a new social networking website (pepsiyouniverse.com) created in conjunction with Youniverse, a software developer and social network. The social site will offer users exclusive footage and downloads and al… [More]
iLike is a cutting edge web service that allows artists and fans to connect over online communities like Facebook. Trend Hunter was bang on when we predicted the rise of web service, iLike back in March. “iLike is a relatively young music community based software service, having only just reached … [More]
She first flew to fame when a record label found her My Space page. Since, Lilly Allen has become an icon of the UK hip music scene and fashion muse to Chanel’s Karl Largerfeld. Her latest venture is a new concept of music chat show, coming soon to the UK’s BBC 3 channel. The idea for the music show… [More]
Anti-Social Networking
At first I was unsure if the term referred to people against social networking sites, or was a community for people affected by anti-social personality disorder. It turns out, Anti-Social Networking sites are spoofs of popular online communities. “Web 2.0 faces its backlash in the form of sites par… [More]
Simon Ownes is rallying the troops and claiming January 30th 2008 international delete your MySpace account day. After regretting signing up for the account the very first day he expresses his ongoing frustration with the site. Constant friend requests, spam, banner ads and the ages the actual page … [More]
Fake Social Networking
Everyone knows social networking is like so hot. But what if you’re not so hot? What if you sign-up on a social network like Myspace.com with high hopes for instant popularity, and you chat, upload, download & blog and nobody cares? What if it’s like you’re stuck in the movie “Never Been Kissed” and… [More]
Social Networking for Recruiting
Trend Hunter has published other musicians who had their big break via YouTube, myspace or other social networks; but now a YouTube video is to thank for Austrian Cistercian Monks getting a world-wide music album contract with Universal Music. Universal has been looking for monks, men of the cloth … [More]
MySpace has been an incredible exposure tool for budding talent in search of representation, and Alicia Keys has taken notice. The R&B;songstress is using the social networking site to do virtual casting calls for backup singers and dancers. Auditions are done via Alicia’s MySpace page. Qualifying … [More]
She’s only 18 and she’s from the Netherlands, but that hasn’t stopped this incredibly-talented singer from attracting global attention. Her name is Esmee Denters and remember that name because she is going to be blowing-up everywhere. Her self-published YouTube videos spread like wild-fire and have … [More]
Big Brands Hopping Into the Game
Adidas, the #2 athletic footwear maker, is branching out into new arenas; creating films for social-networking sites as part of its annual spring marketing campaign and collaborating with hip fashion label Diesel in time for New York Fashion week. As part of its overall “Celebrate Originality,” glo… [More]
Reality TV Shows Based on Social Networks
Internet superstar Tay Zonday has set his sights on being Paris Hilton’s best friend. Apparently Paris Hilton has a new show, I Wanna Be Paris’ New Best Friend. People can go online and upload their audition, then the community can vote on it. The genius of the Chocolate rain star knows no boun… [More]
Hobbies Enabled by Social Networking
Called ‘MySpace for musicians’, eJamming is the latest and greatest way to get your band together, even though you may be miles apart. And now’s the time to check it out with a FREE 30-day trial. Connect and jam with other musicians in cyberspace and create your next big hit online! [More]
Social Shopping
If you follow celebrity gossip and star style, you’ve already heard of Kitson, and will be thrilled about the launch of the new Facebook Total Fashionista application. As for the rest of you, well, it’s time to get you in the fashion loop. Application users get to be the first to see brand spankin’… [More]
Rumplo, a newly launched, but already very active community, aims to provide a home to the most creative t-shirt designers from around the world. Not only is it very easy to search through the ever growing library of great designs, but it provides a great platform for designers and means that it wil… [More]
Rasba.com, launched by a 17 year old superstar, is a social shopping site that brings a new and innovative twist to the world of online shopping. In short, Rasba.com helps young shoppers connect with hip brands and share products. In short, brands/retailers come to Rasba and easily customizable st… [More]
Polyvore is a new online community that “lets you create sets using items saved from different web sites. The items you can use are listed in the editor tabs. You can also search for items by keyword or site. After you have created a set, you can save, tag and share it with your friends. You can al… [More]
Global Expansion
Note: Some of these posts are dated, but the point is that all the majors are expanding internationally, and regional social networks are also thriving…
While much of the world uses US-owned YouTube to watch and share videos, China has come up with their own answer in the form of Youku.com, a company that recently partnered with MySpace China. The site looks similar to YouTube, showing a main video with different channels and featured videos on the… [More]
Ich Liebe Facebook! Apparently, a lot of other Germans love Facebook too; so much so that the social networking site, which has 66 million users, has officially launched a version of the site auf Deutsch! How Wunderbar! But why German and not other languages like French or Japanese? Because that w… [More]
When we learned that Trend Hunter was banned in China, we felt that Trend Hunter had finally made it big. After all, the Chinese government has censored thousands of websites. However, in a brave new move, MySpace China has officially been launched. Unlike other roll-outs, which seem half-baked… [More]
Social Networking for High Society
In the past, Trend Hunter has covered social networks which are exclusively for the elite. This month, Forbes picked up on the trend, running through their own list of sites for the social elite. I used to think that the internet was the only place where I could feel as equal as everyone else. D… [More]
On October 1st, 2007, Diamond Lounge, an elite online members club, will open for business. A social networking site for the ‘genuine’ elite, Diamond Lounge is very selective on who it lets join (supposedly only 5% of the 5,000 who applied). What does it take to be a member? Success. Sophistication.… [More]
You may be brave and you may be desperate but you may also be barred from the hottest new online dating website: HotEnough.org The website is exclusively reserved for those rated Hot Enough to gain access. You must be attractive, fit and rated as attractive enough to enter the pool of eligibles, pr… [More]
Snub Club is one of a growing number of dating sites where members get to vote on who gets in based on how they look. You will be denied entry unless you get a rating of 75% or higher. Exclusive online snobbery seems to be a growing trend amongst elitists who wish to ban less attractive folks from t… [More]
For a lot of people, Facebook is a convenient way to keep in touch with others. But Zach Wade also suspected that an equal amount of users use their Facebook profile to project “an ideal image of themselves”. In other words, they want the most friends, they want the most wall posts and they want to … [More]
10 Niche Social Networks
London-based gaming agency Mind Candy have developed a new social-networking sites for kids called Moshi Monsters. Instead of creating their own user profiles, kids can adopt their own monster. Users can choose the colour and name of their monster before taking it home. Every monster has a per… [More]
Social networking has merged with TV program file sharing to form TOITI.com. The new social network merges Web 2.0 technology with the world of’ TV and film downloading, making it super easy to find that elusive episode of your favorite show. TIOTI doesn’t actually serve the actual files for downloa… [More]
Everyone is trying to benefit from the success of YouTube and the impact it has on today’s society. GodTube is one of those sites. Calling itself a video social networking community for Christians, GodTube also has a similar website. Now giving the Sunday school students a reason to be surfing t… [More]
At 700 pounds, Nancy Makin was in despair and had not left her home in 12 years. She believed that she was in a never ending cycle of emotional ups and downs and eating binges. Her sister gave her a PC and she made friends online. Since none of her new friends saw that she weighed 700 lbs, she was… [More]
Design 21 is a Design Social Network I read about in this month’s ID Magazine. When I went to the site, I was skeptical of its ability to connect designers, but after a quick look around, I realized that the site might just be my new, and only, social network to be involved with. I was impress… [More]
Belgian Foops!, is the first social networking site for Generation Z. It has already signed up more than 12,000 members (both born and unborn). The public launch is in April 2008. [More]
Those looking to setting up new social networks are turning to the boomer generation. Until now, most have targeted Generation X; Facebook and MySpace are a huge hit with the younger demographic, but marketers are coming to recognize the loyalty of older web users. Eons, Rezoom, Multiply, Maya’s Mom… [More]
Cancer is a traumatizing experience for anyone enduring it, and a lot of the time, sufferers are left feeling very alone. I’m Too Young For This is an innovative social networking site that helps to ease loneliness among young cancer patients. If offers a social media environment where the ill can g… [More]
We’ve seen social networking for bands, for parents, for businesses. But now there’s a social network for Bathroom Graffiti Lovers. This past week The Bathroom Graffiti Project relaunched their Web site as a social network at http://www.graffitiproject.com to help their mission to collect and archive pic… [More]
Even if you are already hopelessly addicted to the fledgling social networking interface Twitter, chances are there are things about your life you don’t want to post on your personal account. That is where Confess 2.0 comes in. Similar to anonymous online confessional Grouphug.us, Confess 2.0 lets y… [More]
Personalized Social Networks
Don’t want to join my network? Fine, go make your own. That’s the simple idea behind Ning, the brainchild of Gina Bianchini, whose idea has landed her on Business 2.0’s 50 Who Matter. Ning, which means peace and tranquility in Chinese, lets you create your own social network for anything. … [More]
Now you can create a very individualized and personal presence online with me.com and earn mega-bucks… it’s even integrated with Good Adsense (so you can earn 50% of revenue!) And so far, me.com has only one real competitor (ning.com) since it’s one of the first to tap into personalized social net… [More]
Niche Online Dating
You may be brave and you may be desperate but you may also be barred from the hottest new online dating website: HotEnough.org The website is exclusively reserved for those rated Hot Enough to gain access. You must be attractive, fit and rated as attractive enough to enter the pool of eligibles, pr… [More]
According to CNN.com, online dating is so last year. Now, if you’re thinking romance, look to your mobile phone. [More]
A new social networking site for people living with STD’s has launched. PositiveFriends is the result of two years of R&D;. The site provides different levels of privacy to match the comfort level of participants. Members can manipulate the images they upload to crop or blur photos to protect anony… [More]
Trying to tree an environmentally conscious babe?Now Toronto was asked how to find and eco-hottie, setting a new hurdle for dudes and dudettes to handle. Greensingles.com was recommended as the largest online dating net to hook up with ecologically caring peeps. Choose from therapists to backwoods … [More]
Is your dog getting jealous of your love ‘via-internet’ connection? No need to exclude your four legged friend, doggie dating online is gaining popularity. Websites such as http://www.doggie-dating.co.uk offer your dog the opportunity to post their profile and find their soul mate. Some websites eve… [More]
Social Networking School
Stanford University is offering a new program, complete with valid accreditation, that focuses on developing Facebook applications. The social networking site is the main online community of choice for thousands of people, and has huge potential for profitable growth. The computer science course foc… [More]
Social Networks For Good
Social network users are beginning to recognize the potency of their power as grass roots social and political groups are rapidly forming. Just look at what happened this week on Facebook. “Social networking has taken on a radical new edge after a Facebook campaign forced HSBC bank to reverse plans … [More]
What’s the last thing you spent a dollar on? Coffee? Parking? The tax on your groceries? Bill Clinton started the Global Initiative (CGI), a fund that aims to share the wealth of the world. He is trying to involve younger generations to help shape the future of our global society. These generation… [More]
It’s gonna take a lot more than appearing on MTV and promotions on MySpace to get younger generations in politics. It’s an unfortunate fact that Generation Y/The Millenials/The Internet Generation, or whatever you choose to call the 17-35 demographic, is not interested in government or politics. The… [More]
BONUS: Busting and Getting Busted on Facebook
These four extra posts take me over 50, but they’re certainly interesting!
The University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada has been using spyware to track the productivity of the institution’s staff, firing employees for “cyberslacking,” or logging hours on sites like Facebook while on the job. In 2005, Michel Mandono had spent nine paid hours on non-work relat… [More]
Wow, not only does it suck to get busted for skipping work, but when the evidence looks like these photos, it’s not just your business reputation on the line anymore. After excusing himself from work for a “family emergency,” Kevin Colvin, an intern at the North American arm of the Anglo Irish Bank,… [More]
Facebook, the most widely used social networking tool among students, is not only one of the best ways to keep tabs on your social life, but is also being recognized for the its ability to alert people in times of crisis, such as school shootings. As the new school year kicked off, a range of North … [More]
As part of the Facebook craze, a 21-year old from the Maritimes (Canada), promised to get inked with the face of TV anchor, Bruce Frisko, if 25,000 people signed up. And guess what? They did. In fact over 27,000 people responded. But rather than try to get out of the commitment, he is going through … [More]
References: trendhunter
2 Comments: on Top 50 Innovations in Social Networking and Online Dating
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Jeremy Gutsche
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Online Communities to Surpass Porn - Economist Suggests Shift in Web Usage
Politicians on Facebook – Social Networking to Win Votes
Celebrity Social Networks - Radiohead W.A.S.T.E.
Celebrity Social Networking Sites - 50 Cent’s ThisIs50.com Reaches 160,000 Members (VIDEO)
Kylie Minogue Launches Social Network - Kylieconnect.com (GALLERY)
Celebrity Branding for Social Networks - Indiana Beckham for Pepsi Youniverse (VIDEO)
Bands As Buddies - iLike Facebook Update (VIDEO)
Bringing Together MySpace Friends & Celebs - Lily Allen’s MySpace Chat Show (VIDEO)
Anti-Social Networking - Enemybook & Snubster (GALLERY)
International Delete Your MySpace Account Day - January 30th
FakeYourSpace.com - A Place Where You Can ‘rent’ a Friend
YouTube Recruiting (Part 2) - Cistercian Monks Get Universal Music Deal (VIDEO)
MySpace Recruitment - Alicia Keys Finds Backup Singers Online (VIDEO)
YouTube Recruiting - Talented YouTuber Esmee Denters Signs With Justin Timberlake’s Record Label (VIDEO)
Adidas Celebrates Originality - Targets YouTube, Facebook, Collaborates with Diesel
Cewebrity Reality Shows - Tay Zonday Wants to be Paris Hilton’s BFF (VIDEO)
eJamming - Synchronized Jam Sessions on the Myspace for Musicians
Social Fashion Shopping Application - Kitson’s Total Fashionista Facebook App (GALLERY)
Social T-Shirt Shopping Communities - Rumplo
Social Shopping - 17 Year Old Woman Launches Rasba.com (GALLERY)
Polyvore Community - Create Your Own Fashion Set and Get Feedback (GALLERY)
China’s next YouTube - Youku.com (VIDEO)
Facebook Translated to German - Gesicht Buch?
MySpace China Launched - Is This The End of Communist Censorship?
Social Networking for High Society - 5 Networks that Reject You For Sucking
Ultra Elite Luxury Social Site - Diamond Lounge
HotEnough.org - An Above Average Dating Site For Hotties Only
Want To Be Rejected? Check Out Snub Club Dot Com
Elitism on Facebook - Cool Enough For ClubOne?
Social Network for Kids - Moshi Monsters
Social Network For TV - TIOTI Joins TV/Film Lovers
Connecting with Religious Voters Online - GodTube (VIDEO)
Social Networking for Weight Loss - Nancy Makin Lost Over 500 LBS
Social Network For Designers - Design 21
Social Network for Gen Z - Foops! Has Unborn Members
Social Networks For Boomers - 55+ Communities (VIDEO)
Social Networking For Cancer Patients - I’m Too Young For This (VIDEO)
A Social Network for Bathroom Graffiti Pictures
Confessional Social Network - Confess 2.0, The Anonymous Twitter
DIY Social Network - Ning Sites for Anything
Personalized Social Networks - Me Dot Com
Mobile Dating - Get a Text When a Compatible Match is Nearby
Social Network For STD Plagued - Positive Friends
Niche Dating Sites - Greensingles.com For Tree Huggers
Online Dating for Dogs - Puppy Love Gets Digital
A Major In Social Networking? - Stanford Offers Facebook Course (VIDEO)
Grassroots Facebook Campaigns Against HSBC Successful! (VIDEO)
Giving 2.0 - Global Enhancement Via Social Networks (VIDEO)
MySpace & MTV Encourage Gen Y Voting (VIDEO)
Busted For Cyberslacking – UBC Employee Fired for Facebooking (VIDEO)
Bank Intern Busted on Facebook - Fairy Costume Reveals All (GALLERY)
Facebook, SMS Warn Of School Shootings - Networking For Safety (VIDEO)
Gettin Busted For Your Facebook Wager - Kid Forced to Get Tattoo of TV Anchor
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