Everyone seems to be logging on, from the old to the young, the rich to the poor.  Sit in any public library and you'll see that a lot of the internet users are feverishly typing away on Facebook, Bebo, Myspace, OKCupid or Hi5.  And that's just a few of the big names.

Scientists have coined a new term for the distress caused by being deprived internet access - discomgoogolation. 

So what is it about these sites that are so addictive? 

Anyone can log on and feel instantly connected to a group of people, no matter what time of day it is or where they are in the world.  It leads to a feeling of being part of a community.  There are message boards for fan clubs, common interests and favourite TV shows or books. 

It is also easy to stay in touch with old friends who do not live in the immediate area.  But why is it better than simple old email?  Well, the key is this - user profiles for most of the social networking sites contain a wealth of information about any given individual.  Their status can be updated as and when, so you know exactly when somebody is having a bad day, has passed their driving test or has found a new partner.  Humans are inherently curious.  So much easier to simply read this information rather than having to email and ask them how they are, isn't it?

You don't have to make the effort to look good for a messaging marathon or real-time conversation either.  After all, the recipient of your posted messages has no idea whether you're having a bad hair day, have no makeup on, or are even sitting there in your pyjamas!

In short, you can make less of an effort to maintain friends.  This holds particularly true if you meet somebody new and want to stay in touch, but aren't yet at the "Come over for coffee!" stage.  It's less stressful, less humiliating and there are less awkward silences than in a face-to-face meeting.

But social networking sites are not just about old friends.  It's easy to find new ones with similar interests.    There are dating applications too, so you can widen your pool of potential admirers.  And if somebody doesn't post back to you? Well, so what?  Plenty more fish in the sea.

Lastly, these sites contain an abundance of different online games to be played, quizzes to be taken and photos of friends past and present, to be viewed.  Can you think of a better excuse to procrastinate for a while, when you should be working in your boring, mundane job?

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to check my facebook...

1. Jackson Pollock

   
   
   This is an amazing website. When it first loads you are faced with a blank white screen and the first thought is “there is nothing on the page”... but as soon as you move your mouse and click a few times... that's when the fun begins. Click on this link and get ready for some artistic fun.

2. Albino Blacksheep

   
   
   This site will blow your mind. Everything starts off pretty slowly and you're tempted to think that not much is going to happen...but, if you hang in there, you're in for a feast of visual and auditory excellence.

3. Devlisting

   
   
   This website is a treasure chest of free and almost free goodies on the internet. There is so much interesting stuff on this site that I have made it my home page. If you've been looking for that definitive list of useful stuff on the net, then search no more... Devlist has something useful for everyone.

4. htm2pdf

   
   
   I did not just say "WOW" when I discovered this website, I just kept on repeating, “OMG... OMG”... I always repeat that when I get really excited about something. This site is so useful and so easy to use that it's likely to become one of your most valuable web tools.

5. Really Scary Optical Illusion

   
   
   This website has a scary surprise in store for you. It even comes with a warning for people with a delicate disposition. View this site at your own peril. You've been warned!

6. Image-Metrics

   
   
   This site gives you a glimpse into the future of facial animation technology. Gone are the days of rigid and unrealistic animated faces. The realism that Image-Metrics have achieved in facial animation is truly awe-inspiring.

7. Flickr Color Selector

   
   
   If you are looking for photos with a specific color then your search is over. This website does all the work for you, easily and quickly. Once you visit this website you will always return.

8. Scribbler

   
   
   For those of you who want to impress your friends with your drawing skills but can't really draw that well, check out this site. You create a simple line drawing, then click a button and the site will finish the drawing for you. Then you can email it to a friend.

9. Jigzone

   
   
   Do you like jigsaw puzzles? This interactive site will keep you busy for hours. If you love doing jigsaw puzzles, you will surely love this site.

10. Personality Test

    
    
    Learn more about your personality. When I took this personality test, I was shocked at how accurate the results were. A quick and easy interactive website that helps you know yourself even better.