Sixdegrees.com

Definition

SixDegrees.com was one of the first social networking sites, launched in 1997, allowing users to create profiles, connect with friends, and share content. It marked the beginning of the social networking era, enabling users to see connections between friends and expand their social circles through a concept known as 'six degrees of separation.'

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. SixDegrees.com allowed users to create personal profiles that included basic information, interests, and a list of friends.
2. The site emphasized the ability to connect with people through mutual acquaintances, showcasing the 'six degrees of separation' theory.
3. Despite its pioneering role, SixDegrees.com struggled to maintain user engagement and ultimately shut down in 2001.
4. The platform set the stage for future social networking sites by introducing concepts such as friend lists and direct messaging.
5. The rise and fall of SixDegrees.com highlighted challenges in monetizing social networks at that time, which many platforms still face today.

Review Questions

• How did SixDegrees.com contribute to the development of social networking sites in the late 1990s?
  • SixDegrees.com was a trailblazer in the social networking space by introducing features like user profiles and friend connections. It allowed users to visualize their network through the 'six degrees of separation' concept, emphasizing how closely connected people can be through mutual acquaintances. This innovative approach laid the groundwork for subsequent social networking platforms and shaped user expectations regarding online social interactions.
• What were some of the key features of SixDegrees.com that influenced later social media platforms?
  • Key features of SixDegrees.com included user profiles, friend lists, and the ability to share content among connected users. These elements became foundational aspects of later platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn. The site also introduced the concept of connecting with friends of friends, expanding social circles in a way that became a standard practice for many future networking sites.
• Evaluate the reasons behind the decline of SixDegrees.com and its implications for future social networking sites.
  • The decline of SixDegrees.com can be attributed to several factors, including limited user engagement and challenges in monetizing the platform. Despite being a pioneer, it failed to adapt quickly to user demands for more interactive features and scalability. This experience offered valuable lessons for future social networking sites, highlighting the importance of user retention strategies and innovative monetization models to ensure long-term viability in a competitive landscape.

Related terms

Social Networking: A platform or website that facilitates the building of social relationships among people who share interests, activities, backgrounds, or real-life connections.

User Profiles: Personal pages created by users on social networking sites that display their information, interests, and connections.

Six Degrees of Separation: The theory that any two people are six or fewer social connections apart, which was a fundamental concept utilized by SixDegrees.com to connect users.