Social Networking Online social networking has become a global phenomenon. Nowadays, in the twenty-first century, social networks are the best tools for communication. Social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and texting show increase popularity during recent years with communication. In my opinion, social networking sites are beneficial if used in certain ways, but can also be damaging if used in the wrong fashion. 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. Social networks encourage people to make their personal life more public. Professionals run the risk of getting fired or not getting a new position because of what they post on social networks. When applying to college their admissions offices use Facebook to deny students. When something is posted on a social network it is never deleted. With what you post, message or tweet, enters the public cyber world. All those things we post on social networks never get deleted. Pictures and posts are a big cause of this effect. Privacy is a basic human need and being young, reckless, posting immature pictures and statuses can cost you. Cyber bullying is another effect that is caused from social networks. Cyber bullying is becoming more popular because it makes it easier for people to start drama, tell lies, and say hurtful things. Threatening messages, posting embarrassing photos and information, or spreading rumors, are all types of cyber bullying. On my Twitter newsfeed there are always fights occuring. Everyone who follows them can see everything that was said. Friends are lost because of these arguments. It has come to the point where innocent people were taking their lives because of being cyber bullied. They rather hide behind a cell phone or computer screen than confront the person. With the click of a button, a message can easily be sent to thousands of Facebook friends or twitter followers. Social networks do have plenty of positive effects for our lives. Some social networks are often used as a kind of self-expression and creativity outlook. Social networks such as Tumblr, Twitter, and Facebook allow you to post pictures, write statuses, tweets and blog. I currently use all three of these social networks. Tumblr is my favorite; you can create your own blog. Picking out a layout, writing your own stories, liking and re-blogging post is what makes the website interesting. Twitter gives users a way to express themselves by posting “tweets” with only 140 characters. Facebook was originally designed for college students but is now open to anyone of ages thirteen and older. Facebook users can create and customize their own profiles with photos, videos, and information about themselves. All these social networking sites happen to be apps available to download onto a cellphone. Wherever you happen to be you can still be showing self-expression and interacting with the social media. Using social networks also keeps you connected with friends and family you don’t speak to or see often. These sites make it possible to interact with people next door, across the world, with one click. In an instant you could write on their wall, send a message, or even tweet to them.