10 Social networks that are no more

Over the years, several social networks have gained popularity and subsequently faded away for various reasons, including changes in user preferences, competition, and technological shifts. Here are ten social networks that are no longer in operation:

1. MySpace: Once the leading social network in the early 2000s, MySpace allowed users to create profiles, share music, and connect with friends. Its decline began with the rise of Facebook, and it has since transformed into a music focused platform but never regained its former glory.

2. Bebo: Launched in 2005, Bebo was popular in the UK and Ireland, offering profile customization and social networking features. It struggled to compete with Facebook and was sold multiple times before ultimately being shut down in 2013.

3. Friendster: One of the first social networks, launched in 2002, Friendster initially enjoyed popularity as a social discovery platform. However, it faced technical issues and competition from MySpace and Facebook, leading to its closure in 2011. It later attempted to pivot to a gaming site before being shut down entirely.

4. Google+: Launched by Google in 2011 as a competitor to Facebook, Google+ tried to create a more organized social networking experience through “circles” for managing contacts. Despite significant investment, it never gained a substantial user base and was shut down in 2019 due to low engagement and security issues.

5. Orkut: Developed by Google and launched in 2004, Orkut was particularly popular in Brazil and India. It allowed users to create communities and share content. It lost popularity with the rise of Facebook and was officially shut down in 2014.

6. Hi5: Launched in 2003, Hi5 was a social networking site that allowed users to connect and share content. It was especially popular in Latin America and Asia but gradually declined, partly due to competition from Facebook and MySpace, and has since transformed into a gaming website.

7. Fling: Fling was a niche social network launched in the early 2000s that focused on casual dating and adult content. It struggled to find a broad user base and ultimately ceased operations.

8. Classmates.com: Although still operational in some form, Classmates.com has significantly declined in relevance compared to general social networks. It was initially popular for connecting with old school friends but has since been overshadowed by platforms like Facebook.

9. Vine: A short form video hosting service where users could share six second looping video clips. Launched in 2012, it gained immense popularity but was discontinued by Twitter in 2016 due to monetization challenges and competition from platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

10. Xanga: Initially a blogging platform that allowed users to create personal blog pages, Xanga gained popularity in the early 2000s. As social media evolved, it struggled to keep up with competition and transitioned to a subscription based service before fading from prominence.

         These social networks illustrate how rapidly the landscape of online social interaction can change, often                          dictated by user needs, competition, and technological advancements.