The results of a new survey on businesses adopting social networking is making the rounds in the techno-biz-o blogosphere (I just made that term up). I would love to join the breathless excitement and give you those results straight, but something makes me queasy about it.

Okay, I'll give you the results anyway.

Prospero Technologies conducted the survey and reports the following:

- 88% of businesses expect to increase social networking spending next year.

- 59% report their current social networking efforts are meeting or exceeding expectations.

- 35% reported a positive ROI.

- Most businesses reported direct sales was not their top criteria for determining success, rather it's the increase in site traffic.

Maybe it's a very helpful, realistic, insightful survey offering an accurate snapshot of social networking trends in the business world. Maybe.

But who would know.

First, the survey was put out by a company that sells social networking solutions to businesses. Conflict of interest perhaps? Bias in the development of the survey itself perhaps?

Second, 88% of what? Uh, well, the survey is based on the responses of 50, count 'em 50, businesses. Prospero explains it was a cross section of businesses including media, education, sports and gaming, health and financial services. No word on the size of those companies or locations.

Feeling skeptical yet? Me too.