mobile social networking : Are you really game?

I recently came across an article on tmcnet that stated that mobile social networking is the next big thing after VoIP has also taken to the cellular platform. Fine, particularly after the desktop has almost shrunk to one's palm, thanks to PDAs. However, I have just one question... is browsing a social networking site on a 4X2 inch screen really as appealing as doing the same on a 17 inch one? What kind of an impact would reading one's scrap on orkut on such a reduced scale have on the end user? Particularly after he is accustomed to the desktop mode of social networking, would he be really willing to use the same interface on his mobile? I think not. While offering mobile social networking does have its advantages for the providers of these services (mind you, I'm talking about the likes of myspace, facebook, etc., not the telephony providers). Social networking today has definitely become the “in” thing with internet users of all age groups alike, thanks to their ease of use and various other benefits like traversing distances and meeting friends as well as using these websites to do professional networking (Yes, LinkdIn is the market leader, but nevertheless, casual networking sites are also eating up its share, bit by bit).

While on one hand we are feeling proud of technologies like WiFi, WiMax and the likes currently being used extensively, I personally feel that social networking is yet to be developed on a mobile platform. Taking reference from the article itself, Twitter has apparently become some kind of a leader in the mobile social networking platform. Websites like Next2Friends are also getting much attention due to their ability to 'FIND' one's friends. All in all, people are getting used to using their mobile handsets for various functionalities. But social networking still has a long way to go due to the many obstacles it has to face, not to mention anything about the security aspect which always exists. Maybe something like a converter that converts one's scraps,shouts,etc. into text messages would come in handy, but that would definitely steal the fun away. To sum it all up, there is still lot to be done before you can connect with peers around the world on your mobile phone via social networks, both at the mobile end as well as the social networking end.