Article #16 (November 28th 2010)

Social Networking

With the presence of websites such as Facebook and Twitter, the idea of social networking continues to grow by the day. Recent statistics have shown that there are more than 500 million active users on Facebook alone and over 700 billion minutes are spent per month on the popular website. As crazy as it may sound, it is not the least bit surprising. As our world continues to grow, human interactions have been nullified by a society that is predominantly focused on efficiency. Many people have a difficult time meeting with a friend or keeping in touch with a relative, thanks in part to the hectic lifestyle that the 21st century unarguably brings forth. It doesn’t matter if you are the best at managing your time; there will be circumstances in your life when one matter will have to be compromised for the benefit of another.

The argument of the advantages (and disadvantages) of social networking is something else entirely, and which I would prefer not to get into. Let’s face it, however; thanksgiving dinner will be home to more conversations between you and your grandma, and there is no better way to reveal your new girlfriend than a change in the status of “In a relationship with ______”. The fact of the matter is that social networking is an essential part of the modern world. It is an evolutionary mechanism that has developed, and succeeded, due to its necessity. The staggering number of members on Facebook alone is a testament to that. You cannot honestly tell me that 500 million users log on to simply kill time and play Farmville when they are bored. The purpose of social networking websites is adequately expressed on the home page of the global phenomenon: “Facebook helps you connect and share with the people in your life.”

BY: Divyash Chhetri