I vaguely recall a day when I actually called my friends on the phone. I used to also (Gasp!) go to their homes to see what they were up to. My kids know I’m old school when I suggest this. They spend all day checking Myspace or Facebook, Twittering their whereabouts, and uploading YouTube videos straight from their mobile. They don’t even have most of their friends phone numbers, much less do they actually call and speak to them! Even I have succumbed to a lesser degree, deftly using instant messenger to replace phone conversations, updating my blog via my own mobile, and even using Facebook to look up old friends.

Thanks to social networks, our lives (or at least the lives of every GenY-er and Millenial in the civilized world) have been redefined. For those of you who are old-school like me, here is a rundown of some of the most popular social networks on the web:

Myspace – The most active users are teenage girls, although anyone over 14 can (and probably does) have a page. Myspace accounts for 1 in 4 online searches in America. I could be wrong, but my 14 year old daughter is really into this which inherently means I cannot be. Myspace.com

Facebook – Demographic is split primarily between 18-24 year olds and 35-54 year olds. Initially started as a college student only social network (hence the first demographic), it has expanded and become popular with upper middle class professionals and has a higher income demographic than Myspace. Cheaper than a subscription to Classmates.com, I enjoy using it to reconnect with old friends. The hardcore users make use of its broad functionality. Facebook.com

YouTube - Video sharing network with over 80 million videos and over 150,000 new ones being uploaded daily. Most popular with men age 18-34 although businesses are becoming popular content providers as they take advantage of this free tool. I wonder how long it will be before its nothing more than infomercials? For the time being, there is some pretty sweet stuff on there. My favorite are the Japanese Game Shows. YouTube.com

Flickr - Photo sharing network. Upload, organize, share, and print photos from anywhere in the world. This, I love. Flickr.com

Linked In – Professional networking. Keep your resume updated, make industry contacts, stay in touch with leads. Linkedin.com

Twitter – While not technically a social network, it certainly makes social networking easier. Twitter allows you to send multiple messages updating anyone and everyone with your current status. Getting a milkshake at QuikTrip? Might as well tell all your friends. Tying your shoes? Ditto. I’d ask if this is necessary, but my kids will undeniably say yes! Twitter.com