Are Social Networking Sites Good To Our Society ?

    

 The populatity of social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, and Myspace have more than quadrupled since 2005.  While proponents believe that these social networking sites increase communtication with others; opponents argue that these sites expose children to predators and could most likely increase computer viruses.  I personally can see where opponents would argue that social networking causes a threat to young children but overall i think that these sites are good to our society if used cautiously.

As of 2009, studies have shown that social networking and blogging sites are accounted for about 17% of time spent on the Internet, this percent has nearly tripled since 2008.  Studies have also shown that 59% of students with access to the Internet use social networking to discuss educational topics.  Some teachers, as well as parents, have agreed that these sites helped students improve their basic literary skills and are also an easier way to express themselves.   

 

Social networking sites have brought many people together with similar interests all around the world.  These sites are also a way to express one's personal views creatively.  They provide free messaging, blogging, gaming, and many other services to anywho who are willing to take advantage of the opportunities.  This ties into our classroom activites because we work a lot with computers and many of us use social networking sites on a daily basis.