One in five UK net surfers regularly visits Facebook or MySpace to hang out, swap anecdotes and post embarrassing photographs, reports Nielsen NetRatings, the analysts. And it’s not just web-savvy teenagers. Nearly a third of Facebook users are aged between 35 and 54, according to a study by ComScore, the online research firm, and these include celebs such as Sienna Miller and politicians including Boris Johnson.

However, if you stick to these big sites you may be missing out. There are hundreds of social networking sites dedicated to niche interests. Last week Kylie Minogue launched Kylie Konnect where her fans can hook up. There are sites for canine owners (Dogster), football fans (Joga) and even T-shirt designers (Threadless). So how do you know which one is for you? Follow these pointers and you’ll be networking in no time.

GETTING STARTED
There’s no single definition of what constitutes a social network, but most combine the facility to write blogs and post pictures and video clips with an option to socialise with other members. See the incomplete but lengthy Wikipedia primer here which reveals the range of what’s around.

Interacting with strangers requires a healthy dose of common sense, so read Bebo’s notes on safety here. The guide at Slate tackles a great question of the social networking age: “What should you do when someone you don’t like or don’t know sends you a friend request?” Answer: ignore it.

Facebook: The beginner’s guide

Forced to sign up by repeated friend requests? Hit the virtual ground running with our virtual guide

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BACKGROUND

• Careless Facebook users ‘open to identity theft’

• Ten essential Facebook accessories

• Parents are turning into online spies

• Networkers who click with 1,000 ‘friends’

Don’t spend too long on these sites, or you may end up like the blogger at Social Networking Rehab, who drily chronicles the effects of networking overexposure.

ARTS AND CULTURE
One of the best aspects of networking is that you can swap information with other like-minded souls. At Dazed Digital , you will find an ultra-hip network of taste makers sharing thoughts on fashion, art and design – flagging up South African fashion shows, or clubs in London.

For music fans, there are few better sites than Bandwagon. Not only can you watch music videos and listen to bands, but members are on hand to recommend a hot new act.

The real mystery behind Last FM, another UK success story, is not why CBS paid $280m (£133m) for the site, but why nobody had thought of combining the two most alluring facets of web life – music and networking – earlier. This online radio station recommends music for you based on your tastes and what people who like similar bands to you are listening to.

Bookworms should head to Shelfari which enables you to create a personal shelf of books that your friends can see. And who says web geeks need to get out more?

The StumbleUpon site exists for users to share cool websites they’ve found. It is by far the best looking social network, attracting an artsy crowd, who recommend places to find beautiful photography, bizarre humour or cool animations.

BUSINESS
Networking has replaced the business card as the way in which executives stay in touch. The British-based eCademy boasts a relatively small circle of committed members and is a good place to make contacts and tout your skills.

Globally, LinkedIn is still the business world’s favourite network. Too many of the members work in the tech industries, though. For those hoping to join more creative industries, Shooting People is a boon. This network is a mainstay of the indie film world with 200 short films and music videos cast and crewed up every week via the site.

ACTIVITIES
Started in the UK, Where are you now asks millions of travellers the simple question: “Where are you now?” Members post profiles but also list everywhere they’ve been and when, and post the pictures to prove it. It’s a good way to find holiday recommendations.

The world of hobbies has some of the best potential for committed social networks. Friends Reunited is no longer as popular as it was, largely because it’s now possible to search for schoolfriends on Facebook and see what they’re up to without paying. However, its sister site Genes Reunited grows in strength. Genealogy is one of the most popular web-related hobbies and this site helps you track family histories and contact long-lost relatives.

You will find thousands of adrenaline junkies at LifeKnot, a sport-oriented networking site. You create a free profile page, choose your favoured activities and are then directed to fellow enthusiasts in your area.

Boompa is the virtual equivalent of a layby in the New Forest where petrolheads can check out each other’s motors. For the more ecologically minded, Bike Space aims to alleviate the loneliness of the saddle. If hanging out with all those whippersnappers gets too much, Saga magazine has a site that only the over-fifties can join.

EXCLUSIVITY
For all its promises of “democracy” and “empowerment”, cyberspace can be just as stuffy as the old-fashioned world. Take Small World, which bills itself as an elite social networking community. Membership is gained only through invitation from members, who are said to include Paris Hilton and Tiger Woods.

Beautiful People proves it’s not only who you know that’s important, but what you look like too. The only way in is by submitting a photo of yourself. Members rate you, and you need a specified number of positive votes for the door to open.