Paul Adams-- Senior User Experience Researcher at Google, recently released a report on Social Networking. Its very long...but very worthwhile as it extends beyond social networking and discusses the broader future of the web.

key points (from a skeptic geek) include:

• A single umbrella group of “Friends” in an online network doesn’t mirror real-life and leads to problems. Support multiple independent groups of friends.
• Focusing on technology is a wrong strategy. Focus should instead be on Motivation and Goals.
• Design needs are different for different relationship types – strong ties, weak ties, and temporary ties. One solution doesn’t fit all.
• Different communication channels are needed for different types of relationships.
• Role of influencers is over-estimated. Also need to focus on network of person being influenced. Influence works most within close ties.
• Network should support multiple facets of identity and also anonymity.
• We think people care less about privacy because they misunderstand complicated privacy settings.
• People underestimate the size of their audience and persistent nature of their conversations online.