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Like everything else there are pros and cons to social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook.

Like everything else it depends on how you use them and what you use them for - meaning whether you are on there for the reason the site was set up, to social network or to misuse it to create spam or to con people.

I can better speak for Facebook as I have experience of it both good and bad, but to me, common sense should ALWAYS prevail.

I am an ex-Brit living in Canada. To me, Facebook is a great tool not only for networking friends and family in Canada but also to regain contact for friends in the U.K. But then I'm a supporter of the Internet bringing people together because that is how my Canadian husband and I met in the first place way back in 1999.

Of course, you can make new friends on Facebook but just as you would in "real" life there are pros and cons. Are you best buddies with everyone you chat with in real life? Of course not. So the Internet is no different.

On Facebook you can choose to have an open profile that everyone can view ( a great way for people to find you) or you can have a limited profile that only friends can see. That way you can choose what others know about you. Also, what people don't seem to realise is that you can choose to leave this site at any time if you aren't happy with it.

Some of the cons are that people get carried away and I can speak from experience. My son stupidly joined a hate group that was formed against a girl in his high school. The police found it and as a consequence some kids were expelled and some, like my son, suspended. This was something done at home on home computers and in home time, none of it on school property or time. But, the police are recognising that cyber bullying exists. My son is not a bully, but due to the ease of these sites got carried away and like an idiot joined in. He has since regretted it and really meant no harm. Gone are the days when you tell someone to their face you don't like them! I have also seen workplace groups disbanded because of the same scenario.

As for the pros, what can be better than finding your "long lost" friend on the site and renewing a friendship from school over 30 years ago? That's the experience that I love! I also like the fact that there are groups you can join on serious topics or just for fun.

As with anything else, be careful who you tell your information to and don't lose all sense of reality. I had someone on my Facebook who was from my hometown in the U.K. and we only chatted a little. Imagine my surprise when I received a message telling me he was a bigamist and was wanted in the U.K and Canada. Not necessarily believing the message I researched some on-line newspaper sites, and right enough there he was in the news for that very thing! That was the instant I deleted him as a friend.

As with anything else you have to keep you common sense and not get too carried away, but it is a great tool if used wisely.

Learn more about this author, Kay Carbe.
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