There is no one way to address this issue as a woman's comfort level in social networking settings, as in any other sphere, depends on a combination of various factors. Who is in charge of the social network they are participating in? Is it an even playing field where women are on equal footing with men? Is it safe? Is it an aggressive place to be or does it have a friendly tone?

Safety is the primary concern of most women and, regardless of type, a woman will feel comfortable in a social networking environment only if she is absolutely certain that nobody is going her violate her personal space; be it physical, moral, or psychological. It is only within these parameters of safety that a woman will feel comfortable enough to meet, socialize and work with others.

The topic of conversation plays a big role in whether or not a woman feels comfortable within that particular social networking setting. Social networking encompasses a wide realm of settings including community networking, couples networking, singles dating or even a certain blend of business and pleasure. The comfort level will likely rise and fall with each kind of social networking.

In most communities around the globe, women are often times a major influence in bringing about social change in their communities. Support for this cause often comes from other women. There is a certain amount of security in this social networking because there is a perceived common goal. As a result, comfort within the networking group is enhanced and women feel empowered and more comfortable.

Women are more comfortable in groups where they are supported by other women. Chat rooms and blogs that deal with topics such as social issues, childcare, schooling as well as beauty and health are frequented by women—for obvious reasons. The heightened comfort level in these settings is attributed to the fact that these discussions stem from first hand experience.

In more general social networking settings, comfort levels depend on who has the power. If the setting is male dominated, women may tend to take back seat and not voice their opinions. However, this phenomenon is changing gradually as women are being recognized for more.  As women rise to powerful positions in business, their opinions are increasingly being worthy of attention and, in an effort to get ahead, women today are actively befriending and embracing newer technologies. This opens up new worlds and leads to more empowerment.

In reality it boils down to 'support' and a 'common goal'. If these two ingredients exist in a social networking setting, then women tend to be more comfortable.