Social Networking; Positive or Negative?

850 Words2 Pages

Throughout the past few years, social networking has skyrocketed in popularity. It has taken the population and made it addicted to the internet. Today, people cannot imagine living without the internet, or more specifically, without social networking. There are many different networking sites that are being used; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Google+ are all examples. Every one of these sites help the world in some way. People use social networks to chat with friends and keep up with current news. These networks have caused disputes that have people arguing whether or not it has had more positive or negative consequences. Despite multiple negative effects of social networking, overall it is a positive addition to the world because it connects people, encourages more people to get involved, and improves world awareness. Social networking connects people around the globe. With social networking, “millions of people can communicate at the same time” (“Social Networking”). Many think these networks are only for children, though that isn’t necessarily true. According to Catherine Behan Minds, a writer for the Chicago Tribune who wrote the article “‘Friending’ the one you lost; Old flames are finding new ways to reconnect,” 70 percent of people ages 30 to 49 and 51 percent of people ages 50 to 60 have a Facebook, Google+, or Twitter account. Facebook is a very easy way to find people. It “gives you a benign way to start the conversation,” said Rob Dobrenski, a New York psychology professor, “Facebook makes getting reacquainted so easy,” (qtd in Minds). There are tons of stories of finding an old friend online. One example is Greg Laird and Lisa Wilkins, a couple that were in their 20s and engaged when their parents made them sep... ... middle of paper ... ...tive aspects that improve how our world lives today. Social networks help in most everyday lives. Though it is a popular debate whether or not it has or will continue to be a favorable influence, its positive characteristics outshine its negatives. Currently social networks help us to bring people together, encourage involvement, and bring world awareness, and it seems that it will continue to make a positive footprint on the world. Works Cited Minds, Catherine Behan. “‘Friending’ the one you lost; Old flames are finding new way to reconnect.” Chicago Tribune 9 Oct 2011: n. pag. ProQuest Newspapers. Web. 12 Feb 2014. “Social Networking: Advantages vs. Addictions.” Childrefuge.org. Child Refuge, 2011. Web. 12 Feb 2104 Wang, Shirley S. “Could Those Hours Online Be Making Kids Nicer?” Wall Street Journal 16 Aug 2011: n. pag. ProQuest Newspapers. Web. 12 Feb 2014.

Open Document