Social software refers to software that enables collaboration and connection through computer-mediated communication. Examples include social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook, as well as sites for sharing videos, photos, presentations and online diaries. While social software started gaining popularity in 2006, concerns were raised about issues like online predators, explicit content and risks to privacy. However, social networking also has benefits for connecting with others and accessing knowledge. The growth of sites like Facebook and MySpace shows that social networking continues to increase in popularity and influence.

1. Social Software: Hype vs. Reality Janie Hermann, Princeton Public Library Karen Klapperstuck, Bradley Beach Public Library

7. Why were YOU chosen by TIME? … because 2006 was a “story about community and collaboration on a scale never seen before. It's about the cosmic compendium of knowledge Wikipedia and the million-channel people's network YouTube and the online metropolis MySpace. It's about the many wresting power from the few and helping one another for nothing and how that will not only change the world, but also change the way the world changes.”

9. Website Traffic Graph comparing myspace.com, youtube.com and flickr.com

21. Privacy can be controlled