What would the world be without sites like Facebook, MySpace and Twitter? Social networking websites have changed communication trends for the benefit of all mankind. The effects are undeniable.

The same is true for mobile phones. The latest smartphones can do amazing things. Whether you’re a fan of the iPhone or Android Market devices like Google’s G2 smartphone for T-Mobile, the Droid X, or the HTC EVO 4G, there are a wide variety of mobile apps available to make life easier.

Android Market offers many social networking applications for users of the operating system, as does the Apple Store for iPhone fans. How popular are these kinds of apps?

Most smartphones now come with built-in social media apps

In addition to those that are available for free or for sale, some smartphones offer these applications out of the box. This is in response to overwhelming demand, and that fact is a clear statement about the popularity of social networking apps.

These proprietary apps aren’t the only ones people use. Each app has a different set of features and people may use more than one to achieve different purposes. For example, you might want to post status updates using Facebook for iPhone. However, the Facebook chat functionality in Meebo can be tailored to your tastes. It’s not uncommon for someone to use more than one social media app in this way.

Where market shares overlap

Millions of people use social networking websites to keep in touch with friends, family, and co-workers. Furthermore, millions also use iPhone and Android devices. Where these demographics overlap, you’ll find a strong community sharing their lives on the go through social media apps.

With each passing day, more consumers are beginning to understand the value of the smartphone experience. In fact, you could say that it is a lifestyle. Retail stores and cell phone companies are even offering free iPhone and Android devices with a new mobile plan, so even the poorest among us will soon join the smartphone revolution.

For software developers, social networking applications can be a great opportunity to earn money. Although many companies already offer these types of mobile applications, there is always room for more that offer new and innovative features. All that said, a massive and growing number of people are sharing statuses and links, sending messages, and performing other functions using social networking applications. There are many available for free and for a small download fee, and they are immensely popular.