effects of social networking

Every day, thousands of people are logging on to social networking websites. Some play games, some chat with friends, and some post updates about their lives, but one thing that users may not realize is the effect that social media is having on society. Websites like Facebook and Twitter effect our lives negatively, positively, and a lot more than we think. We all have our different causes for liking social media, but we don't always realize the important effects they are having on our lives. The first effect is bullying. As these websites become more popular, the number of kids being cyberbullied increases. According to recent studies, 43% of kids in the United States have been bullied online in the past year. Cyberbullying can be threatening messages, posting embarrassing photos and information, or spreading rumors. Cyberbullying is becoming more popular because it makes it easier for people to tell lies, start drama, and say hurtful things. They hide behind a cell phone or computer screen, rather than confront someone in person. With the click of a button, a message can easily be sent to thousands of Facebook friends or Twitter followers. There are also positive effects of social media. Social networking sites, some more than others, are often used as a kind of self-expression and creativity . For example, blogging websites allow users to make their blog customizable and choose the things they share on it. Twitter allows users to change their background and customize their colors. Facebook now allows users to upload a picture of their choice to show at the top of their online profile. Aside from customizing the looks of online profiles, the content that users post on social networking sites also is a form of self-expression. Certain people may always seem to have funny statuses, while another may always post quotes, while another always posts song lyrics, and another simply posts updates about their everyday life. Users of social