Since social networks enable the creation and distribution of multimedia content of social network users, which essentially means the democratization of the media, they quickly became extremely popular among the population. The economy recognized a new communication channel in social networks, which is why social networks soon began to be used for various business purposes. Marketing in social networks has found an ideal tool for market research and product promotion, so social networks are often used as a means of communicating with the market. In addition to sales activities, pre-sales and after-sales activities are preformed through social networks. Today, social networks are one of the important segments of electronic business. In the Republic of Croatia, due to it's level of economic development, many achievements of the developed world are applied with a significant delay, so it's interesting to investigate whether this is the case with social networks as well. For this purpose, a survey was conducted in part of the territory of the Republic of Croatia in Brodsko – posavska County. Thea im of the research was to investigate what social networks are, to look at the knowledge and use of social networks by the inhabitants of Brodsko – Posavska County and synthesize the research in the form of conclusions on the state and possibilities of improved use of social networks by the inhabitants of Brodsko – Posavska County. The results of the research showed that the inhabitants of Brodsko – Posavska County use social networks, have mostly positive opinions about them and recognize their development potential. Therefore, social networks are an ideal communication channel for buisnesses to develop electronic businesses in Brodsko – Posavska County.