Social networking sites have seen rapid growth over the last few years, with more people joining every day. Currently, one out of every four people online visit social networking sites, according to the Consumer Internet Barometer, from The Conference Board and TNS.

Around half of social network users visit sites such as Facebook and MySpace on a daily basis. Out of the users who say they visit social networks on a daily basis, half say they log on several time a day.

Fifty-seven percent of those between the ages of 12 to 17 are the most likely to be daily users of social networking sites.

People are logging into social networks from a variety of places. The majority, more than three quarters log on from home, they are also logging on at work, school and public places during the day.

Women are more likely to use social networks than men. In general, women use the Internet more than men for personal communication.

The number one reason for visiting social networks is to connect with friends. In addition, about half of all users said they use sites like MySpace and Facebook to maintain their online profile, email and connect with family.

“Online social networking is an integral part of many people’s lives and a natural extension of our means of communication which the Internet has created,” said Lynn Franco, Director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center.

“The next growth wave will be expanding and incorporating these networks into our business lives.”

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