Trying to explain how online social networks differ from those in real life can be quite a hard task at times, especially if talking to the computer illiterate out there! I had this conversation quite recently with my brother, and I must admit to perhaps failing to get my point across.

For him, he has a busy social life revolving around family, and various sporting clubs. Therefore, his social network is a very interactive one on a physical level. I, on the other hand, am not married, have no kids, and don't particularly like sports. However, I pursue my various interests on the net by learning to ride online

This means that my social network is more a loose association of people from all walks of life and from all around the world, some of whom I am in contact with daily. Even dating I do online, by signing up to various dating agencies which are advertised through Facebook or other sites.

Now, this is where online social networking starts to cross over, because of course, I must meet my dates in 'real life'! Getting this point across to him was akin to bashing my head against a wall though.

So, I have come to the conclusion that there are those people who 'get it' and those who simply never will. Which camp do you fall into?