While waiting in line at Starbucks last week, I ran into a girl from one of my classes.  We did not know each other well, and the conversation quickly diffused into an awkward silence.  Rather than making an effort to keep up the conversation, we both proceeded to whip out our phones and act like something on Facebook was of the utmost importance.

Social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter emphasize the need to stay connected with everyone else online; however, by keeping up with the endless stream of information on the internet, people tune out the world around them. Rather than hanging out with friends, an increasing amount of people are choosing the solitary pastime of online shopping, facebooking, or searching the web for the latest Jenna Marbles video.  These addicting activities are fun, however, they distract people from what is really important.

Despite some peoples opinions, the issue of social networking as a distraction has escalated over recent years. Since Facebook’s small start with only 300 users in 2004, it has grown to include almost 900 million people, and is used in over 100 languages.

These past few years have witnessed much innovation in the field of technology; weekly weather reports can now be found at the push of a button, and people have conversations with their iPhones.  We live in a world where convenience is everything, and for whatever one needs: there’s an app for that. In this increasingly fast-paced lifestyle people often forget to slow down and enjoy  the process of accomplishing tasks rather than just getting them done.

Social networking sites provide people with a false sense of urgency.  A common concern among high school students is “staying in the loop”, which can only be accomplished by being up to date with the current Facebook and Twitter drama.  However, when they are plugged into latest online news, young people and students are likely to get distracted from other responsibilities such as homework.

Today’s technology has also affected people’s social skills.  Although it is great for people to branch out and meet others through online chatting sessions or texting, the difference between talking to a screen and conversing with a real person is too large to be overlooked.   As important as it is may seem to stay in touch with the online world, it is equally as necessary to unplug and spend time with friends.

           It goes without saying: the internet is important.   Web searches provide instant information and important news to the public.  However, constant ads and viral videos make it almost impossible to stay on task. Ergo; social networking can be time consuming, and should come second to more important things and socializing with people in person.