If you just want to get away from Facebook the company, then VK.com is probably the way to go.
However, if you want to do things differently, non-centralized and run social networks for your own circle of people, then look at Diaspora Foundation
https:// diasporafoundation.org/
If you have heard of identi.ca the Twitter alternative, their software is also available for you to run your own site
http:// pump.io/
There is nothing mysterious about SOCIAL NETWORK ANALYSIS algorithms and nothing secret. One concept that people who study these algorithms use is called the BRIDGE. This is a link (person) who connects two local network clusters that are otherwise unconnected. This is related to the concept of an INFLUENCER.
The thing is, it is pretty easy to analyze a network and find the bridges in it. But some people want to analyze the population of the USA. To do that you need data on everybody. It's not a secret algorithm that is the problem is is the secret collection of data on everybody.
And then, they want to user YOUR DATA against you. They want to sell it to companies who want to EXPLOIT YOU, MANIPULATE YOU.
Forget Snowden. He is just one person who did a lot of stuff to EXPOSE the secrets. Now the problem is people. How to convince enough people to take charge of the government and make legislation which prevents these kinds of unfair and exploitative business dealings.
Let's not forget this walled compound just east of the spiderweb of Azaz. What is done there or stored there? Why do they have a wall like this when most other buildings have no such protection.
Is this the HQ building for Northern Storm Brigade? Do they have chemical weapons stored there?