Social networking sites ''will continue to be popular''

Rather than simply being a fad, social networking sites will continue to enjoy popularity with internet users and become more niche.

That is according to Rachel Hawkes, co-founder and editor at Social Media Portal (SMP), who asserted that "social media networks are here to stay".

She explained that sites such MySpace and Facebook allow users to communicate with people with similar interests, forming the sort of social groups which have always been present in society.

Ms Hawkes said that social media networks would "evolve" as technology progresses, becoming more targeted towards specific users.

She commented: "Social networking sites act as a conduit to connect like-minded people and they are therefore still attracting members because it fuels the human need to feel part of a community.

"Social media networks are here to stay - though thinking they will stay as they are indefinitely is unrealistic and impractical. They will of course evolve."

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