UrbanTheory.

Facebook seems to have already begun the steady decline as newer social networks begin to take over.

Much like Myspace before it and Xanga before that, Facebook appears to have slowed. Again another social network does not survive. Very few do. What on earth does it take for these websites to stay on top?

It would seem more lasting networking websites have a more visual element to them, like myspace's customizable profile features, Neopets (yes, it's a social network) nifty pet feature, IMVU's 3d environment, DeviantArt's linking of worldwide artists and writers, or GaiaOnline's avatars and running storyline.

Though Facebooks layout changes would have been a push in a good direction, often, websites should be wary of the dreaded layout change. I've seen quite a few of these in my few years with SNs, and they don't always, or even often go over great. Facebook tried this, most people I've heard from hated last year's change, and hate the most recent one as well.

Why do these websites die?

As one generation of teens discovers a website, they begin to flood it. However, I think I can say that some appeal is lost once parents and over-30's begin to take over, also, with time, the initial group of teens grows older, this tends to lessen a website's appeal to a younger generation, yes?

And with this, slowly, the website just pines away. Remember Xanga? Not if you're under 16 you don't.

5 years from now: Remember Facebook?

Nope.

~MysticEra