In our everyday lives, we socialize and interact with many different types of people, including family, friends, co-workers, or even complete strangers. Before technology, people stayed in touch through regular mail, writing letters, making phone calls, and communicating face-to-face. Today, the way we interact with others is completely different. We use social media to find a romantic relationship, look for a job or get advice. This is where social networking and social media comes in. Many people may think that using social media makes them more social and more interactive with society. But others wonder if that's really the case. Does social media make us more or less social? Does this change the way we interact with people on a daily basis? Is their impact more positive or negative on society? Social media is used by many people, young and old, around the world as a means of communication. Our lives have become so busy that it is difficult to maintain family and social relationships. “They use social networking sites including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. On these sites, users create profiles, communicate with friends and strangers, perform searches and share thoughts, photos, music, links and much more” (Social Networks). Thanks to social media, you can be friends with all kinds of people without seeing or knowing them. “In many ways, social communities are the virtual equivalent of gathering at the general store or at church socials to exchange news and catch up on the status of friends and family.” (Cosmato). There are both advantages and disadvantages to using social media. One of the benefits is that "an Internet social network can help you connect with others who share your interests and find resources for playing...... middle of paper ...... Henslin, James M. "Social Structure and Social Interaction." The essentials of sociology: a down-to-earth approach. 10th ed. 10th ed. Pearson, 2013. 112. Print. Hoover, Lisa. “How social media has changed society.” PCWorld. April 7, 2009. The web. February 16, 2014. “The Benefits of Social Media.” The E-Guillotine. Internet. February 17, 2014. “Social Media.” ProCon.org. February 5, 2014. The web. February 16, 2014. .Strickland, Jonathan. “What are the advantages and disadvantages of social networking sites? » How things work. July 10, 2009. the web. February 20, 2014.Surveying the Digital Future: How the PC and the Internet are changing the world. (1999, June). Los Angeles, CA: UCLA Communications Policy Center.