You probably know already that Facebook is a huge social networking phenomenon here in the United States, not only for teenagers, but also for adults. However, you might not know that the Facebook rage is sweeping the globe.

For example, Facebook use way down under in Australia is a large component of online activity

Indeed, according to recent press reports and Nielsen Online, Australians each spend 6.5 of their 26.5 weekly online hours on Facebook. That is an incredible 1/4 of all online time for Australians.

And Facebook now is the fourth most visited site by Australians, only trailing Google, Ninemsn and Microsoft. Australians visit social networking sites more often than financial services sites.

Twitter's use also is expanding rapidly in Australia. There was a 1,000 percent increase in Twitter use in Australia in the most recent 12 month period compared to the previous 12 month period.

Social networking is not only purely social medium for personal purposes, as the label might imply. Social networking also brings professionals and others together for work-related purposes. Moreover, social networking presents opportunities for marketing on a mass scale, although hopefully there will not be too much marketing clutter over time that could frustrate the social networking experience.

Plainly, the value and interest in online social networking is proven by how it is taking the world by storm.

Biography

Eric Sinrod is a partner in the San Francisco office of Duane Morris. His focus includes information technology and intellectual property disputes. To receive his weekly columns, send an e-mail to with the word "Subscribe" in the subject line.

Disclaimer: This column is prepared and published for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The views expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author's law firm or its individual partners.

Reprinted with permission of Findlaw.com