Does Twitter Damage Your Social Skills? November 22, 2009

Many people who don’t use social networking websites believe that they are a waste of time. To someone who doesn’t use Twitter, it seems pointless to constantly be tweeting about everything you are doing. Does it really matter if your friends know that you had bacon and eggs for breakfast or that you’re about to go to the grocery store? Does updating your page really consume your whole life? Does your social life in the real world suffer?

Social networking sites were actually intended to do the opposite. Through Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, and other outlets, users can meet or connect with people they wouldn’t otherwise. Communication is simple; you can communicate with many people at the click of a mouse. Through events pages and status updates, you always know what your friends are up to. This can show you more about who these people are or even give you something to do. Though some believe that social networking sites can be harmful, if used the right way, they can really enhance your social life in ways that would be impossible without the internet.

The Impact Facebook has on the Dictionary November 22, 2009

We all know that social networking sites such as Myspace and Facebook are affecting the way we communicate with others. Instead of driving to someones’ house or even picking up a phone, people are often choosing to instant message, private message, or public message others on the web.

One way that these websites are impacting us that we may not think about is the creation of terms that become part of our everyday language. Terms such as newsfeed, blog, and wall post would not have been created if it wasn’t for social networking sites. Some words, such as “unfriend” have even made it to the dictionary. Also, These sites come up with new definitions for words we already use such as “tweet” on Twitter and “friend (as a verb)” on Facebook and Myspace. As these websites expand and new ones keep popping up, new words will continue to be created and used all over the world.