A URL sharing utility and social network facilitates group discussions about shared links. Unlike conventional applications, this service enables live discussions about specific URLs, so people who join the discussion already share an interest in a particular topic. The sharing mechanism preferably enables many people around the world to see the discussion topic and join if they are interested. Sharing a URL together with a second URL reserved for a live discussion of the first URL preferably enables users to promote the discussion in a less socially risky way. A one-to-one correspondence between one URL and a second, predictable network address for the discussion of the original URL allows everyone who shares an interest in a URL to be funneled into a single discussion about that URL. Users preferably specify explicit social and professional networking policies so that every discussion with others carries the promise of a beneficial, lasting connection.