Mobile "the next frontier" for social networking

The next major step for social networking is likely to see such web resources make use of mobile technology, it has been suggested.

Sector analyst Tim Barker makes his comments in the St Louis Post-Dispatch, stating that this is a view held by "most experts" in the sector.

He notes that such technology will increasingly make use of cutting-edge mobile phones rather than personal computers.

Mr Barker states that "much must still happen" before mobile social networking sites are able to enter the mainstream, explaining that privacy issues need to be addressed and the capacity of existing wireless infrastructure requires evaluation.

However, Mr Barker cites Dean Terry, director of emerging media at the University of Dallas, who notes that there is potential for significant developments after the technology is thoroughly understood and appreciated.

"Once people really understand it, I think you'll really see some new stuff," Mr Terry asserts.

In recent days, Jeff Zabin, research fellow at Aberdeen Group suggested that firms are "enamoured" with the potential of social media marketing.