The internet plays a large part in everyday life. It connects us with people all over the world, allows us to communicate with them and provides us with a vast amount of information. Emailing is no longer the better way to contact people as websites such as Facebook and Twitter provide us with the ability to do so in a much more appealing way, which in all attracts people to use the site for said purpose. Social networking brings people with common interests together, however social networking sites of general interest are expanding to more specific sites which benefit society. The internet is also a great way of advertising and getting a brand out there. Blogging is also a common way to express opinions in a non-violent way, forums side with this as people can input their ideas and judgement.
Despite the obvious pros of SN, there are always the negative aspects to consider. Such as cyberbullying and hurtful gossip and rumours. Facebook is the most likely website to accommodate for such abuse but others are out there. There is also the slightly disturbing fact that social networking sites today have no way of verifying that people are who they claim to be leaving people vulnerable to solicitations from online predators who are able to mask their true identity. Leaving a profile open to the public rather than it being private for known friends means information about you can be seen by anyone leading to possible spread of unreliable and false info. Blogs can also lead to disrespect and defaming of people. It has been proven that continuous users of Social Network sites have lower grades than those who don't or limit their time, and are known to entice people to waste time, stress levels in cases also rise due to relationship problems online. Face-to-Face interaction time is decreased as people prefer to socialise online, putting them at risk of exacerbating feelings of disconnection especially with youths, which could put them at higher risk of depression, low self esteem and eating disorders.
