(Direct Newsline)—The recent proliferation of Internet social networks like MySpace.com and blogging phenomenon are creating millions of self-reported consumer profiles for potential targeting of products and services.

“Social networks are taking an increasing share of Web site traffic. It baffles older people that youth culture is putting their life online,” said Shawn Gold, VP-marketing and content for MySpace.com.

Panelists at an Ad:Tech session on social networks said advertisers need to get used to asking consumers what kinds of advertising they’d be interested in receiving, and finding ways to create dialogues so consumers will continue creating detailed online profiles of their personal likes and dislikes.

Incremental access to Web site features can be tied to opting-in to receive advertising. Getting consumers to say what they like and want in self-reported profiles works better than putting forms online for people to fill out, said Patty Mitchell, VP-worldwide sales for SixApart, a blogging services firm.

Life online leaves a trail of data for marketers to follow on an individual level. Instead of gathering and tracking data on consumers’ responses to offers, marketers can design the features and functionality of social networks that nudge users to add more personal data to their profiles, which in turn can be used for targeting ads.

“This generation is growing up under surveillance in such a controlled environment; it’s an effective way to connect with them,” Gold said.

The recent proliferation of Internet social networks like MySpace.com and blogging phenomenon are creating millions of self-reported consumer profiles for potential targeting of products and services.

“Social networks are taking an increasing share of Web site traffic. It baffles older people that youth culture is putting their life online,” said Shawn Gold, vice president of marketing and content for MySpace.com.

Panelists at an Ad:Tech session on social networks said advertisers need to get used to asking consumers what kinds of advertising they’d be interested in receiving, and finding ways to create dialogues so consumers will continue creating detailed online profiles of their personal likes and dislikes.

Incremental access to Web site features can be tied to opting-in to receive advertising. Getting consumers to say what they like and want in self-reported profiles works better than putting forms online for people to fill out, said Patty Mitchell, vice president of worldwide sales for SixApart, a blogging services firm.

Life online leaves a trail of data for marketers to follow on an individual level. Instead of gathering and tracking data on consumers’ responses to offers, marketers can design the features and functionality of social networks that nudge users to add more personal data to their profiles, which in turn can be used for targeting ads.

“This generation is growing up under surveillance in such a controlled environment; it’s an effective way to connect with them,” Gold said.