Spain's social networks

We’re all now used to the idea of social networks as part of everyday life. First was MySpace, then Facebook, Twitter and many other internet based sites that allow us to never be too far from our friends, no matter where we are or what we’re doing. And the Spaniards, being as sociable as they are, are no exception. Although I can be quite sceptical about the privacy of such sites, I have to say during my time abroad, Facebook has been an excellent tool for not only keeping in touch with my friends from back home, but also helping me to make new connections when I’ve arrived in new places.

However, here in Spain it looks like I might have to update my social networking practices a little and try something new. Because, just as much as I hear the word ‘Facebook’ being thrown around, I’m also hearing ‘Tuenti’, the name of Spain’s own social networking site.

First launched in January 2006, Tuenti has gone from strength to strength and now has almost 7 million users in Spain. May sources claim that, despite Facebook’s equally overwhelming popularity, Tuenti is the most popular and most frequently used social networking site in Spain.

But why? Along with it’s catchy name, said to be a contraction of ‘tu identidad’ (your identity) and an implication the age of its target audience (in their twenties), the practicality of Tuenti first attracted university students for organising social events and staying in contact, much like Facebook. Unlike its rivals however, Tuenti prides itself on being much more private. Firstly, anyone who wants to set up a Tuenti account must have an invitation from someone who already uses it, emphasising its purpose as a way of maintaining existing friendships. The creators claim that the privacy level is more like that of the real world, with professional acquaintances being able to see less information that close friends, etc. Tuenti profiles also do not appear in search engines, as Facebook profiles often can.

Although mainly popular with the younger generation and with a considerable percentage of its users under the age of 18, Tuenti has also started to branch out into other sectors of Spanish society. The shopping centre El Corte Inglés and even some banks have recognised its potential as a commercial tool and have set up their own profiles.

So it looks like I’m lagging behind a bit! I have my invitation, now all I need to do is create my Tuenti profile and I’ll be in with the Spanish crowd!