Social Networks are Not very social

Technology has become on the most important principles in today’s society. Technology has created so many outlets for people to express themselves, as well as stay connected with others. Social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ are a few of the outlets created for individual connection. The beautiful thing about these websites is that registration is free. Being able to be involved without being present in other’s lives has never been easier. Even though distant relatives and friends can play an active role in people’s lives through social networks, problems can arise on the home front as a result of these networks. Some people find it difficult to establish a line between reality, and internet relationships in their everyday lives. The pressure to constantly stay in touch via social networks has resulted in many people being out of touch with their present and immediate family. The rise of social networks has put a burden on families because they are time consuming, prompt a lack of communication, and alters the perception of a true family dynamic. The amount of time spent on social networks is one of the many problems families face. In previous years families would actually participate in family time. The time spent amongst families would include actives like movie nights, shopping, and soaking up sun at a beach. There was an unexplainable connection that was created in the tender moment families spent together. In those moments families would embrace one another, and appreciate the lives that they share. Unfortunately, the rise in social networks has cut that time short. A study from CyberPsychology showed that individuals may spend up to “1 and 2 hours (33.3 percent) or between 2 and 5 (32.5 percent) hours a day logged into Facebook; 11 percent spent between 5 and 10 hours per day on Facebook and 5.4 percent spent in excess of 10 hours per day logged in” (Kittinger, Correia, Irons 324-327). The amount of time that some of the participants spent on Facebook was equivalent to a day at work. Rather than being at the dinner table embracing the love of family, these people were scrolling too busy instant messaging on Facebook. Not only is time is a factor, but lack of communication is dilemma resulting from rise in social networks as well. Before the rise of social networks one of the most important options for communication was face to face communication. This type of communication was helped show the visual exchange of emotion amongst families. If a member of the family was bothered that particular feeling would be expressed in their tone, body language, but most importantly their words. “Over half of the participants (56%, 31)... agreed with the statement ‘I solve interpersonal conflicts via internet” (Ozcinar 22-32). This study shows that the importance of communication is being lost behind the power of computer keys. Trying to determine if someone is sad or just venting in 140 characters on twitter is a difficult task for many people. Rather than facing problems head on some people resort to updating their statuses, or tweeting what they really should be saying. Families may have to learn that their relative is upset by checking their latest news feed. One of the last problems families face as a result of social networks is forgetting what family really is. Looking at television shows like the Brady Bunch, or the Cosby show is similar to the way life used to be. In the 1980’s family time was different compared to today. People would sit down at the table and eat together. They would share the details of their days over cooked meals. This simple routine helped to build a bond between family members. Bringing a phone to the table was almost insulting to parents. Sadly that principle has been lost along the way of life, “Devices such as personal computers have made the boundary between work time and family time more permeable than ever” (Salaff, 2002) was