Facebook vs. MySpace – The Battle for Supremacy

In a world where social networking websites have become increasingly popular, it can be hard for you to determine which social networking platform is best for you. The truth is Facebook and MySpace are in constant competition with one another. As of right now, Facebook takes the lead with the number one spot on the chart of the top five social networking platforms. However, there are some features that MySpace provides to its users that are simply better than Facebook. Let’s compare the two.

Introduction
At first, social networking was an idea that many people had never heard of. When MySpace hit the scene, it became popular in a dramatically short amount of time. There were so many things that you could do on the site that were the catalyst for its primary success. Facebook, on the other hand, started off small when it first came out but, like a planted tree, it has grown and expanded into something amazing. As Facebook continued to grow, it began to outshine MySpace and is now ranked higher than MySpace. There are a lot of differences between the two sites right now as both sites have different features to offer their users.
Applications
Both social networking websites have applications that users can play and have fun with. As of right now, it seems Facebook takes the lead with some of its applications. For example, the game Farm Town has received so many users and a lot of people find the game to be addicting.
Demographics
Facebook may win the race when it comes to demographics. The fact of the matter is both adults and children or teenagers own Facebook accounts. It is a cool website to use for people of all ages. On the other hand, a lot of the users on MySpace are younger. When Facebook was first designed, it was aimed toward college students. MySpace still has that spunky appeal that attracts younger visitors while Facebook seems to have a more mature layout that is easily and openly used by both adults and teens alike.

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Privacy
When it comes to privacy, MySpace definitely takes the lead. The news is constantly bashing Facebook for violating the privacy of its users. Facebook can show other people exactly what you do, every move you make. It can also show what type of habits you have when you browse the web. Advertisers also use the information on your Facebook page to target you with advertisements which, let’s face it, can be quite annoying! Myspace offers a better sense of privacy all together.
Design
MySpace takes the lead for design as well. While designing your own page is not important to some, MySpace allows its users to design their profile in a unique manner that helps their page stand out from other pages. Facebook, on the other hand, sticks to a simple layout that cannot really be altered, changed or customized according to your preferences. With that said, the latest version of Facebook, slated to roll out in the coming weeks, is said to minim the design of MySpace in many ways, which truly heats up the batter between these two social networking juggernauts.
Entertainment
Both MySpace and Facebook are perfect for entertainment purposes. You can listen to music, play games, and of course, stay in touch with your family and friends.

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Promotion/Business
Both of these social networking websites are perfect for entrepreneurs and artists who are looking to promote themselves or their business. Some find it easier to network on Facebook while other people say it is easier to network on MySpace. One really has to try both and see what works best for them.
Spam
As a member of MySpace, you may notice a bunch of junk e-mail in your messages. This can be quite annoying. When it comes to spam, Facebook is better at filtering through it so that you are not bothered by it as much.
Safety/Security
Very recently, there has been a lot of Facebook hacking taking place. However, this can happen with a lot of different websites and the best way to save your Facebook or even MySpace page from getting hacked is to change your password every now and then. When it comes to your safety and security, MySpace is better with providing you with the security you need to prevent your personal page from getting hacked or from your private information being exploited.
Usability
When Facebook first hit the scene, it was simple to use. Now, they have changed so much when it comes to the format of their page, it can be very frustrating, especially for older users who were just getting the hang of the old Facebook.
MySpace has changed its layout and theme over the years but it is still fairly simple to use.  As of right now, Facebook even rolled out a new feature which is referred to as “The Timeline” and basically outlines your life from birth until now with pictures and everything else that is important and significant to you on your timeline.

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Conclusion
With the differences between the two social networking websites, it can be hard to choose which is the better one overall. Facebook obviously takes the lead, according to the existing charts, but there are some people who prefer MySpace anyway. With Facebook, you can find friends, message friends and add new people, use different apps and network with other people. The main issue with Facebook is the lack of security and privacy. It is not right that users have to worry about their private information being handed out to advertisers and other third-party people.
MySpace definitely takes the lead over Facebook when it comes to privacy. Most people, however, choose Facebook, because it easier to use to stay connected with the people they care about. Some people second guess their decision to use Facebook due to the lack of privacy. However, even with a certain lack of privacy, Facebook is still the number one social networking website on the Internet right now. Deciding which one you will use is entirely up to you. If most of your friends are using Facebook, it would be understandable as to why you would prefer to use this social network as well. After all, these websites are designed with the purpose of connecting people with one another. Many people have even been able to find long lost friends and family members through Facebook. What a great phenomenon!