English 1101
27 November 2013

Impacts of Social Networking: Good or Bad?
In recent years, social networking has emerged as a new resource for people to connect socially. These social networking sites have made it possible for people, who share the same interest without boundaries, to connect by eliminating political, economic, and geographic borders. Society as a whole must come to realize that although social networking has many benefits as a new way to communicate, it can be exploited and will, in turn, have negative results. Users must be cognizant of the dangers and should be able to identify so that social networking is working effectively for them.
Social networking sites group people together into specific groups much like a small community of people. They allow freedom to communicate with all types of people from around the world and with people of whom they normally would not interact. Social sites help friends and family stay in communication with each other via online updates regarding their lives, photo uploads, and video uploads. They have truly introduced a new world to people by allowing consistent and constant communication with one another. On the other hand, these sites detract from live social interactions and have caused people to spend large amounts of time misusing them. Therefore, society must more closely examine the benefits of social networking sites and gain an understanding of how to use these sites effectively. A recent study conducted in December of 2012, examined young adults with mental illnesses and health conditions and how they used social networking. The study identified the benefits as well as safety risks including “unsolicited pornographic or violent content, sexual predation, cyber bullying, and social isolation (Ybarra & Mitchell, 2008; Rosenblum, 2007; Mann, 2008). The benefits identified within the study were increased social contact with family and friends as well as, the ability to develop new relationships by means of Internet. The article then states that “social networking, including participation in chat rooms and blogging, may improve social connectedness, decrease isolation and enhance subjective well- being” (Baker & Moore, 2008; Ko & Kuo, 2009; Morgan & Cotton, 2003). The study concluded that people with mental illnesses prefer social networking sites, which allow for community integration so that they can find ways to cope with their problems and reduce social isolation. Social networking has also revolutionized education. Technology in general has become part of a student’s everyday life and is necessary to the student’s education. “Social networking systems do not only make it easier for companies to communicate with their consumers, but also makes it easier for tertiary institutions to communicate related coursework with their students, to encourage discussion between and among students” (Adamson, 2012; Moran, Seaman, & Tinti- Kane, 2011: 4). Social media allows teachers and students alike to collaborate and share ideas and information at anytime and anywhere. Lastly, social media sites like Facebook allow students easy access to their teachers for questions and to be able to stay in almost constant contact.
A study that was conducted in 2013 on underage use of social media websites revealed some rather disturbing facts. The study says that companies use sites like Facebook to draw people’s attention to them by offering promotions and deals for those who “like” their page. It was revealed that while in theory, offering deals may promote economic growth of the company, those same deals attract underage users who sign up for social sites by lying about their age in order to gain access. “The problem regarding social networking sites is that the registration process for joining these sites is that there is no external mechanism from stopping children from falsifying their ages to become members” (Cooke, McVey, and Weeden 2). The biggest issue is that parents of underage children tend to be unaware of their online activities. Those children can stumble upon viruses and are at risk for cyber bullying. Cyber bullying, according to stopbullying.gov, is “a type of bullying that uses electronic technology like phones and computers that have access to text messaging and social networking sites”. Zay, says that cyber bullying is “faceless, impersonal, humiliating, demeaning, and potentially dangerous to a teenager’s mental and physical health” (Zay 158). This can happen anywhere and anytime during the day and once something is posted, it can be difficult to delete. The effects of this type of bullying can be detrimental to an adolescent’s self-esteem. People who are cyber bullied have higher chances of substance abuse, skipping school, receiving low grades, and experiencing health problems than a happy person. In conclusion, an individual who is cyber bullied may experience lasting effects to their social, emotional, and psychological development. Social networking sites can be used for positive purposes such as connecting with friends and family, as well as, helping students to further their education. These sites must be used properly and should not be abused by under aged users because if used ineffectively, they lead to cyber bullying and can damage one’s computer. The choice is determinate upon society whether or not social media is a sufficiently effective tool to use. Members of society should start by educating themselves and making themselves aware of the benefits and the detriments. So, what do you think? Are social media sites good for society?

Works Cited
Gowen, Kris, et al. "Young Adults With Mental Health Conditions And Social
Networking Websites: Seeking Tools To Build Community." Psychiatric
Rehabilitation Journal 35.3 (2012): 245-250. MEDLINE with Full Text. Web. 11
Nov. 2013.
"What Is Cyberbullying." Stopbullying.gov. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2013.
Wiid, Jan, Michael C. Cant, and Corinne Nell. "Open Distance Learning Students'
Perception Of The Use Of Social Media Networking Systems As An Educational
Tool." International Business & Economics Research Journal 12.8 (2013): 867-882. Business Source Complete. Web. 11 Nov. 2013.
Weeden, Shalynn, Bethany Cooke, and Michael McVey. "Underage Children And Social
Networking." Journal Of Research On Technology In Education 45.3 (2013): 249-262. Business Source Complete. Web. 12 Nov. 2013.
Zay, Dorothy Connections: Guide to First- Year Writing @ Clayton State. Southlake, TX: Fountainhead Press, 2013. Print