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Social networking websites have emerged as high traffic areas on the web. Every day millions of users flock to participate on them for many reasons, whether it be to connect with old friends, make new ones or to simply interact with others who have shared interests. Social websites continue to surge in popularity and while trends come and go in terms of which particular website is "the place to be", the idea of online social networking continues to flourish and grow.

Online networking has many benefits to society and it adds a dynamic way for people to communicate; issues such as long distance phone calls, time zone differences and "losing touch" are becoming less and less problematic because talking to a friend is only a click or two away. How magnificent is that? Personalization of your site allows you to share messages with flair.

As wondrous as online mingling is, it's also interesting to muse over the question of how online gathering sites will influence society over the long term. While electronic communication definitely has its advantages, one can't help but also think about the negative aspects that online socialization possesses. Using text communication as primary means to talk to others removes voice connotation and this just does not have the same impact as spoken expressions when having a discussion. Also our tendency to be abrupt in text can cause confusion in the message trying to be articulated. This often leads to misunderstandings and conflicts. Physical, or even telephone, contact lessens these issues because people can exchange words more effectively, creating a better level of understanding; "meeting" with friends in the social network removes these personal touches. Taking all this into consideration, how will this affect communication and relationships in the future?

Prior to online networking people typically knew who they were interacting and conversing with. The anonymity of the Internet adds an unusual twist to socialization because people can essentially be whomever they desire. Most people are truthful with their personalities, but unfortunately there are those who develop an online persona with false pretenses. Predators and stalkers lurk on social networking sites to locate and troll for victims and networking sites have become a virtual playground. It is human nature, particularly for children, to be eager to trust and it's easy to become wrapped up in the online world. The structure and nature of making online friends contributes

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