As you know, with social networks becoming more popular, many of them are targeting niche markets and specific demographics. Accordingly, religious organizations are no different as they are responding to a demand for family-friendly and safe alternatives with faith groups nationwide establishing religious-themed social networking groups on the Internet. These sites allow users to create prayer groups, connect with congregants and clergy, even discuss movies, and find potential significant others.
A number of these faith-based social networking sites are starting to launch, including:
Christian- http://www.xianz.com/, http://www.mypraize.com/
Muslim- http://www.muslimspace.com/, http://www.naseeb.com/ and http://www.muslimsocial.com/
Jewish- http://www.shmooze.com/, http://www.koolanoo.com/
The latest social networking site to join these ranks, however, is the only pan-denominational site around Youthroots.com
YouthRoots.com is a faith-based social network and “electronic wing,” where religious leaders and their youth members can co-coordinate activities, have discussions, and communicate with one another. While not a replacement for the Facebooks of the world, YouthRoots is a place where kids, teenagers, and young adults can cultivate their identity and relationships with people they know in person. It also serves as a safe haven for young people looking for an alternative to free-for-all sites such as MySpace and Facebook, as adult group leaders who sign up to the site must first be verified before they can run a group on YouthRoots.
