Social Networking & Society

Social networking has taken over the world. The advantages to social networking can include communication, notice of events, what is going on with friends/family/work, meet new people, keep in touch with those who do not live close, etc. Disadvantages can include decreased productivity, people can post incriminating pictures of you at a party, you can make yourself look bad through pictures and posts to potential new employers, etc. Those all apply to me personally and more than likely, to others as well. Society has become so obsessed with social networking that almost every person and every business is involved. I believe social networking dampers the development of human interaction. Human interaction comes naturally, but when a person sits in front of a computer all day, I feel they are ruining what nature taught them. How are these people supposed to react in a social situation when all they know are online conversations which don't require emotion, facial expressions, and body language. I suppose it effects society positively because we are keeping up with the growing technological world, but I believe there is too much hype. Businesses are using social networking to learn about potential employees. They will access a person's Facebook, for example, look at their pictures and read their posts. That is why a person really needs to watch what they post and what their friends tag them in. Employers look at these sites to get a preview about the kind of person you are. In the next two to three years, I have no idea what social networking is going to be like, but I know there will be something new to replace Facebook and/or Twitter. There is always something better being created and worked on. The popularity of Social Networking will continue to rise as the younger generations learn computers at a younger age than the people above them (on an educational level). There is a possibility that just as resumes are required for pre-interview, that a social networking profile will be required as well. Maybe. The world is full of possibilities. I just hope things don't get taken too far. If things do get out of control, they are going to start taping stickers on computers that say "If you are a computer addict or know someone who might be, call 1-800-***-****". Just like on the back of a lottery ticket. I am not totally against social networking but I definitely believe that younger generations need to learn the importance of these sites and the importance of the content posted.