Path is a micro-networking application, designed to bring privacy and intimacy to the world of social networking. Although the service has been around for more than a year, you might not have heard about it yet because of its intimate nature.

The Path app is available on the iPhone as well as Android smart phones, and is marketed as a smart journal. Users are encouraged to limit their network to their closest friends and family within the Path app, and not to confuse the service with the massive social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.

Social networking online is a booming new popular way to connect with people and pass the time. The concept of social networking is almost as old as the internet, which is really not that old. It first began with online journalling sites, such as Xanga, Livejournal and other similar services. Myspace took social networking to a whole new level, allowing people to more easily share their lives with more people online. Then Facebook came along to knock Myspace off its networking throne and has held its ruling position for the past few years.

Although Facebook has held its own in the fast-paced world of online social networking services, it is not without flaw. Other lasting social networking services have popped up and remained competitive, such as Twitter and Tumblr, which offer alternative features for the ever-changing and growing demands of the vast social networking market. Path will not likely replace Facebook, but it can serve as a more private supplement for your social networking needs.

The primary draw to Path is privacy. Users can comfortably share detailed information about what they're doing without worrying about ex-boyfriends, bosses and other less-friendly friends reading it. Users can share their exact location, family photos and much more, safely, without the concern of repercussions. The app is great for the many web-savvy individuals who fled from Facebook over concerns about the company's lack of regard for user privacy.

The Path app can also be used with other, more public social networking sites, like Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter and Foursquare. Path users can update their smart journals with as few or as many entries as they'd like. When posting updates, users can indicate whether or not to forward the update to other, more public, networking sites, like Facebook. This way, people don't have to choose between services, and can still easily update all of their online social circles with major life events.

Another huge draw for the Path app is the interface design. The app is incredibly intuitive and easy to use, while maintaining a beautiful, sleek design. Users can upload and share all kinds of media and information, including location, weather, music, photos, video and much more. Instead of selecting a thumbs-up or favorite button for friend's posts, users can choose from a variety of emoticons, from a smile, frown or shocked expression, to respond to friend's posts. The app is available for free at Apple's App store or the Android marketplace.