New ways to keep in touch with old friends

The world is flat, wrote Thomas Friedman. Actually, it's becoming flatter. And making friends seems to be getting harder. Yet people are trying out new ways to expand their network and keep in touch with old friends, some of whom they have long lost touch with. Below are some of the new things even a reader could try if he/she wants to make a new friend or find an old one through the Net:

Social networking websites such Facebook.com, Xiaonei.com, Heiyou.com and Mosh.cn. On these websites, every user has a profile page that includes information on his/her profession and hobbies, a personal statement and a blog. A person can get to know another by reading his/her profile - but with his/her permission only. You can even search for people with the same or similar hobbies, and make friends with them by simply sending them a message. Usually, the profile page includes a "friends" section, where you can link up to even your friends' friends. Some of these websites also allow you to create organizations or "groups", where you can meet and organize activities in the real world.

GPS-enabled cell phone services. Whether you're in a caf or at a party, you can use your phone and access a GPS service operator, such as Mologogo.com. It will display a map of the streets around you as well as a dot showing where you are. It also shows all of the nearby Mologogo users. You can send a text message to the website giving your location and what you're doing. The website will then send your information to friends who too use the Mologogo service.