While the popularity of social media continues to gather pace, the popularity of networking site Facebook may have peaked according to figures released by The Times and Nielsen Online. Read More

The number of site visitors dipped by 5% in December, but experts have suggested that this slowing growth was inevitable. Niche networking sites have continued to grow as users engage with specific topics that interest them.

One theory behind the slight fall in visitor numbers is that the site has actually become a victim of its own success. With spin offs, new portals and spaces springing up, spurred on by the success of the networking trailblazer, the UK internet user has become more familiar with social networking, causing them to leave the familiar environs of the service and venture out to discover new sites more tailored around their interests and hobbies.

Two examples of these success stories are LinkedIn and WAYN, both of which have gained audience shares of around 25% in the last 12 months.

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