The social networking phenomena is catching on with BlackBerry users. Why? Because it’s super simple to do, it’s fast and it’s private. Anyone with a Pearl or Curve can now connect to groups on Facebook, and most recently BBMNATION, a social networking site devoted to connecting you to other BlackBerry customers using your PIN.

What’s your PIN?
Similar to your bank card, each BlackBerry has a unique identifying code or PIN number. The technology is similar to that used in two-way pager systems. When you send a PIN to PIN message, it doesn’t venture outside RIM’s infrastructure in search of an e-mail server and (eventually) an e-mail in box. Instead, it stays in the RIM world and delivered directly to the recipient. And because the message is sent directly, it’s the fastest way to send and receive messages.

Have friends on Facebook? On the Facebook page, meet other BlackBerry users, save their PIN and voila! -an instant network of mobile friends to take with you wherever you go.

And the most popular Facebook features are available too, like wireless access to home screen notifications — so you know right away when you have a new Facebook event like a wall post, message or poke. Plus full text messages or wall posts, new photo tags and friend requests. With photo-sharing, you simply snap a picture with your BlackBerry smartphone’s camera, then post it to Facebook with one click.

Social networking on your BlackBerry is instant fun. I can’t think of a better down time distraction than writing on a fun wall waiting for my plane to take off. Yet another reason not to put it down…argh!