- People create MySpace profiles for a variety of reasons, including the possibility of making connections with old friends. Although the length and detail of each profile varies greatly among users, the public nature of this social-networking system allows for increased communication possibilities. A simple search of an old friend's name and location can bring up recognizable pictures and profile information. After all, the purpose of the MySpace profile is to give the user an outlet for personal expression. The ability to customize MySpace features--including fonts, music and layout--can erase doubts about the identity of an old friend. Much can be gained from simply reading the background information and current interests contained in a MySpace profile. Contact can be made through the messaging system, once a potential "match" is found. User-approved privacy restrictions dictate acceptable contact options for each MySpace user. Further communication is then the choice of the originally contacted individual.
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Although searching by an old friend's name and location may yield favorable results in many instances, MySpace also provides the ability to search using additional modifiers. Many factors--including an old friend having a common name such as James Smith or Mary Johnson and cases of name changes--can yield lengthy or even non-existent search results. A targeted search using an email address, former high school or age details can help locate the right friend.
MySpace also provides the possibility of contact through mutual friends. Looking at the friend's lists of common friends may just reveal the profile information of the friend in question. Even if the old friend is not a listed contact, information can still be gathered from the mutual friend that may lead to a future connection. - Even if an old friend has changed his name, location and email address, his hobbies and interests may still be the same. Visits to the MySpace forums often lead to discoveries of old friends for a variety of reasons. Since the forums provide a place for casual interaction and chat between MySpace users, discussions about everyday topics and personal backgrounds lead to inclusions in extended networks. The possibility of finding old friends is increased when certain groups are joined. Groups are designed to unite MySpace users with specific interests. If an old friend has a unique interest, or has completed unique milestones, the possibility of finding her in a MySpace group increases.
