Friendster

When FRIENDSTER first launched several years ago, it offered a pre-Facebook array of ways to connect with others. In addition to creating a profile with photos and basic information, after you approved a friend request, your pals could post testimonials about you. The site now features games, which are offered as apps you add to your profile. Users can also join groups based on topics like travel and TV. Another new addition: Two types of virtual currency -- chips, which Friendster calls "play money," and coins, which let you buy virtual flowers and other things to send friends and can be purchased via mobile phone or PayPal.

Friendster now offers more interactive elements; there are certainly more ways to connect and more to do on the site than in its original incantation. However, there's a reason you have to say you're 16 to register -- much of the content (bad language, profiles glamorizing drugs) is not for younger kids. Encourage teens who register to customize the account settings to restrict who can email them or post comments on their profile.

Online interaction: During the registration process, you can log in to your email account via the site to invite friends from your address book to friend you, or you can enter email addresses manually. You can also post and send messages to other users through the site. The account settings let you limit whether just friends or all users can contact you.