GONE are the days when communicating meant writing a letter and sending it through the post or making a quick phone call from one landline to another.
Today, social networking pages have taken over. Millions of people worldwide log on to the internet daily to communicate with friends and family.
MySpace, Facebook and Twitter have become increasingly popular among people of all ages and cultural backgrounds.
According to Facebook, there are more than 300 million active users, with the fastest growing demographic being those aged 35 and older.
Not only are people using the networks to communicate, but also using them to send out invitations, organise events, post tribute pages, advertise upcoming music gigs, post photo albums, and more.
People can also "become a fan" of anything and everything, from favourite TV shows and bands to sports and activities.
Twitter is somewhat different in that it gets straight to the point, asking one question and one question only - "What's happening?"
Answers must be under 140 characters in length and can be sent via text message, instant message, or the web. Tamara Hutson, of Lilydale, has been a Facebook member for about two years.
The social networking program is helping her stay in contact with people from school and past sporting teams.
"I use it every day when I get the chance. You can't help but log on to see what people have posted about themselves and what's happening among your friends - it's very addictive."
Mrs Hutson, 22, often uses Facebook to post invitations to her friends for birthday celebrations, parties or get-togethers.
"For my husband's birthday this year, I just sent out an invite on Facebook. It was quick, easy and didn't cost anything like it would if it was sent in the mail.
"I also like that you can post photos and see other people's photos, rather than having to get them developed."
In June, hundreds of tributes and messages of sympathy had been posted on a Facebook page for a 21-year-old Mt Evelyn youth, after his body was found in Ringwood Lake three days after he went missing.
Before his death, friends and family had used the social networking site to seek information about his disappearance.
Did you know?:
Facebook: A movie tracing the origins of Facebook is in production. Called The Social Network, the project has been linked with singer Justin Timberlake. The West Wing's Aaron Sorkin is believed to be writing the screenplay.
Twitter: Twitter is being used by celebrities to communicate with their fans. Veteran TV host Kerri Anne Kennerley recently tweeted: "This morning, the hottest fashion trends for this racing season plus Richard Reid exposes Hollywood love rats."
MySpace: Media reports claimed Narre Warren boy Corey Worthington used MySpace to promote his house party in January 2008. About 500 attended and police were called. Worthington has since appeared on Big Brother.
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