What got you hooked on your favorite sites?
It seems like everyone belongs to a social networking site today. Several teenagers talked about what got them interested in cyber interaction, and has kept them coming back for more.
Karen Santos, 15, a Filipino resident of Jakarta:
During class, I glimpsed my classmate's computer, whom was logged in on Friendster. She told me that Friendster is a site where you add your friends, or anyone you want to meet, and receive feedback about what they think of you.
I thought to myself, "that's quite nice; this could be my chance to hear my friends' perspectives about me". I decided to sign up on Friendster. Gradually each day, I noticed more people joining the site. I continue using this site because the more people I have on my list, the more testimonials I get from others.
Friendster gives you the freedom to appreciate your friends and get to know others as well; there really are no regulations on what you have to be!
One of my personal experiences is that I was able to connect with one of my former neighbors back in the Philippines, who now lives in the States! That's what Friendster can do to you, keep you connected -- with anyone in the world.
Jessica Colhoult, 17, Chinese-Vietnamese:
I first found out about Friendster from my sister, about a year ago. She actually made me sign up, so she could add me as her friend.
I left it alone for a couple of months, but after three or four months, surprisingly, all of my friends started signing up. That is when I actually started using Friendster.
I got the hang of using it because it was fun, and it wasn't really a hassle, it was just another extra thing to do when I was bored. Currently I use it out of curiosity, and it is also easier to keep in touch with people.
The age group for Friendster ranges from pre-teens at 12 years old, to young adults at 28 years old ... It attracts teens mostly because it's a community where kids can show off how many "friends" they have, or a reason as immature as that.
Now, Friendster has become so popular that they made a Friendster party in Jakarta. This shows that the older age groups have also become quite addicted to the site. Presently, I have kept in touch with friends that I wouldn't have thought I would for a couple of years. It feels good to know that a site like that helps you find longlost friends, and also newfound ones.
Queenie Chow, 17, Filipino:
Through Friendster I've kept in contact with friends and family in different parts of the world. I have to admit that I never believed that I would be so hooked onto a site.
I only signed up because the rest of my friends had been bugging me to, but now I'm a Friendster-holic! The site not only lets me keep in touch with people, but also keeps me up to date with upcoming events posted on the billboard section of the site.
Joining sites like this one is for people of every age and every nationality, but one thing for sure is that you have to be a social bug or at least have want to be one! On these sites, you can truly be who you want to be!
-- Kristina Falcon