"Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name..."

I was never really a diehard Cheers fan, but I think the whole concept behind its theme song, the fact that we all need a "place" to go "hang out" and connect with others, is the reason why social networking sites like Facebook and myspace are so "sticky".

Running into people we know and getting a chance to catch up with them is a very fulfilling experience. Sadly, our hectic, modern day lives don't usually allow this to happen enough in the "real" world on a regular basis (unless, of course, we're lucky enough to live by a corner pub or coffeehouse!) Social networking sites, though, allow us the opportunity to do this very easily and conveniently in the virtual, online world. I think this is why they have become immensely appealing and addictive to so many people over the past few years.