Zwinky is a social networking site where users can go to build online profiles and characters. Zwinky.com officially launched in December 2006 and today has over 2 million unique users.
Users can create customized avatars of themselves that can express their personality, fashion sense, and current mood. You can choose from over 10,000 different outfits, accessories, hairstyles and other items, such as cell phones and pets to create a virtual you. Embed your Zwinky characters onto other websites such as MySpace, Facebook, Xanga, and You tube.
“Zwinky is so much more than a typical avatar,” said Dorcas Casey, a Zwinky spokesperson. “Zwinky's are an innovative way to let people carve out their own identity and express themselves on the Web. Some users view Zwinky as an opportunity to create an avatar similar to themselves, while others like having the creative license to craft a Zwinky that’s completely different than their real life persona. Users can make themselves hipper, trendier or more glamorous by selecting various clothes, facial expressions, hair colors, styles and accessories. In a world where fashion trends change so quickly, it’s an easy way for users to really get creative and try out all the trends without even leaving their homes.”
Users can also become friends with other users and engage in basic social networking activities in the virtual world Zwinkytopia. Users keep track of friends, messages, and your wardrobe through a profile that is also customizable.
It is free and easy to create your zwinky. When you download a Zwinky a toolbar from a company called IAC Interactive (Ask.com) will be added onto your computer. This will include a search box that will appear before your address bar, which will make it easier to search for certain web sites. Your Zwinky, and other features that are downloaded, are available on your computer as soon as you start it up. So I strongly recommend that you sign up and start making friends online.
