Public online social networks are the likes of Facebook, Linkedin, and the infamous MySpace. These mega networks, financed by Sillicon Valley funders, seek to rack in as many eyeballs as possible, ie, as many users as possible. They report millions of profiles: 14 million for Linkedin in October 2007, 40 million for FaceBook, etc…

But companies and organizations are also building their own private social networks: P&G and McKinsey, to name only two, are very good at providing an online networking tool for both present and past employees. Schlumberger has developped an international online network to help spouses of expats interact. Smart non profit groups also offer their members a space to exchange online as a complement to their real world events.

What’s in store for us with this emerging online social networking trend:
- > Which ones should we be part of, and why?

- > What are the potential dangers of these mega networks?