Rival social network sites in challenge to Myspace

Myspace's reign as the premier social networking sites is threatened as audience numbers swell for rivals Facebook and Bebo. Figures for the past six months show Facebook's audience grew 523 per cent, 19 times the rate of Myspace's, which increased 28 per cent. Bebo has grown by 49 per cent. But Myspace recorded 6.5 million visitors in May. Alex Burmeister from internet analysts Nielson NetRatings, said: "If May's growth rates were to remain consistent, Bebo and Facebook would catch Myspace by September."

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