Media guardian story

Bebo named as best social networking site in survey

They have transformed the way people communicate and attract millions of regular users keen to make virtual friendships or chat about common interests. Of the most popular social networking websites, Bebo is today named in a report as the top performer, beating its rivals Facebook and MySpace.

Computing Which? publishes the results of an independent test assessing the 10 most popular sites for ease of setting up and using the site, the range of features, and the way the sites protected privacy and security, including how easy it is to remove personal details.

Bebo and Facebook achieved the highest scores of 79% and 74% respectively, and were rated easier to use than MySpace and best for socialising. Bebo, which is used predominantly by the 13- to 24-year-old age group, is praised for working hard to encourage responsible networking. "Users can restrict who sees their information, and block users, and there's plenty of advice on security risks and how to avoid these," says the magazine.

The News International-owned site MySpace - also popular with younger users - received an overall score of 67%. Microsoft's Windows Live Spaces scored 65%, ahead of Friends Reunited site at 62%. Saga Zone - aimed at the over-50s - and BBC Talk were both given a maximum five star rating for their performance. They were also named as best buys for users interested in discussion groups. The photo-sharing site Flickr proved to be the best in the special interest category, scoring five out of five for both performance and ease of use.

A survey by the media regulator Ofcom published at the end of last year showed that British surfers are insatiable users of social networking sites. One in four log on to such websites at least 23 times each month, making the UK the most digital nation in Europe and second only to Canada among the world's most enthusiastic makers of virtual friendships.

Abigail Waraker, the editor of Computing Which?, said: "Social networking sites are growing in popularity and, as the success of Bebo in our test shows, sites like MySpace and Facebook can't rest on their laurels if they want to stay in the game. It's also encouraging to see that no matter what age you are or what interests you have, there is a social networking site out there for you."

I chose this story because i personally thought facebook would be on top of all social networking sites, because its has increasingly become popular, but HI5 is nowhere to be seen. i'm with bebo but barely ever go on it because i find it boring but it seems lyk a niche audience between 13-24's love it.However even young kids are able to access these social networking websites.i have cousins who are 10 AND THEY'VE JOINED FACEBOOK.its unbelievable i know, but these kids also like to keep up with the latest stuff. However there are many dangers on these sites, with paedophiles absolutely everywhere, and its quite simple to access individual email adds from facebook bebo hi5 myspace msnspace etc. i believe there should be some sort of restriction to avoid anyone too young to be able to post there personal information are pictures on the world wide web, making them accesible to anyone.Facebook, makes sure that not everyone can view your profile, you have to be a friend to access the profile, which is re-assuring.