What are online platforms that facilitate connections and networking called?

The correct answer is the term used to describe online platforms designed specifically to help users connect and network with others. Social networking websites allow individuals to create profiles, share updates, and interact with friends, colleagues, or potential new contacts. These platforms focus on building relationships and communities and often provide tools for messaging, posting content, and engaging in discussions.

While social media applications encompass a broader range of activities, including content sharing and discussions, the core definition emphasizes connection and networking. Search engines serve a different purpose, primarily focused on retrieving information from the web rather than facilitating connections. Online marketplaces, on the other hand, are platforms where users can buy and sell goods or services, which does not align with the primary function of fostering interpersonal connections. Thus, the label of social networking websites is the most accurate to describe these types of online platforms.