The internet is now the most important mode of communication throughout the world, influencing not only everyday lives but also global politics. Social networking is not a new concept. In fact in has been around for more than many years with new networking sites being developed almost every year. As people try to keep up with the “latest” they do not realize how this may become a problem in the long run mentally, socially and physically. There are many reasons as to why social networks may influence our lives in negative ways.  With applications created for smart phones and communication devices, it is even easier for people to access preventing them from communicating with those around them more often. Here are 3 main reasons that I feel relate to others in this day and age.

- Leads to addiction and isolation

- Affecting productivity 

- Cyber bulling

1.     Addiction and isolation: Experts believe that social media sites and public forums may be addictive as they play into the internet addiction phenomenon. An addiction as such may be diagnosed as a mental disorder called “internet addiction disorder”. However, this will only become a problem and become extreme if these networks begin interfering with your daily activities and keep you from going about your day to day business. It may also become a problem if you prefer the company and comfort of your online friends over your “real friends”.  

2.     Affecting productivity: When spending too much time “interacting” or idling away on the social network, we do not realize how much time we waste and consume if time is not kept to a minimum. In situations such as the work environment where companies and offices have the need to shut down and install programs which prevent workers from logging into sites due to taking up too much time from what they should be doing. Affecting productivity can also include those who work in offices, students who need to concentrate on their school assignments but always get side tracked to check on their “pages” or even just a daily check up on the internet itself see people staying on it for more than the amount of time they should be.

3.     Cyber Bullying: Although social media networks are created for people to communicate and keep in touch with each other, it may also create controversy opinions, which can sometimes create arguments just by different opinions shared amongst the network. Real life arguments and situations can also be brought into the social network creating tension and barriers between “online friends” having to choose sides. The social media can be our best friend at times and other times it can also be our worst nightmare. Cyber bullying is a common thing to happen and take place between the younger generations which may cause youth to suicidal incidents just to end everything. It may be over bearing and a bit too much for others to handle also.

 If the social media network sites are not used in a way which creators have hoped to be used in then it may lead to addiction and other bad things happening instead. If we limit the amount of time we use for this then it would not be a problem.