新西兰英语 148 Social networking

　　Social networking websites such as Facebook and Bebo are growing in popularity¹ with many New Zealanders now having a profile page. Users of social networking sites can create profile pages that include details such as age, hometown, job and hobbies. Friends are then added and emails and messages can be sent between individuals or groups. People can also post comments on other people’s pages and upload photos. There are also groups and discussion forums² to join based on interests or location. Many people find social networking sites are a good way to keep in touch with old friends or make new ones.
Some websites, such as Linked In are for professional people who want to be contacted with job offers or connect with others in their field of employment.
The most popular social network site in the world is Facebook followed by MySpace. Bands and musicians often use MySpace as they can upload samples of their music. Bebo is also a commonly used website, especially for teenagers.
It is important to think about safety when putting personal information on a profile page or leaving comments on other people’s profile pages. Potential employers may use social networking sites to check out people they are thinking of hiring and young teenagers should not post too much information such as their phone number or where they go to school.
Contributed by Anita Jones

1 popularity   

n.普及，流行，名望，受欢迎

参考例句：

• The story had an extensive popularity among American readers.这本小说在美国读者中赢得广泛的声望。
• Our product enjoys popularity throughout the world.我们的产品饮誉全球。

2 forums   

讨论会； 座谈会； 广播专题讲话节目； 集会的公共场所( forum的名词复数 )； 论坛，讨论会，专题讨论节目； 法庭

参考例句：

• A few of the forums were being closely monitored by the administrators. 有些论坛被管理员严密监控。
• It can cast a dark cloud over these forums. 它将是的论坛上空布满乌云。