Social networking has become an everyday part of the lives of teenagers and adults around the world. Now, it seems there is no one who can't be found on Facebook or followed on Twitter. Social networks contain positive aspects, such as being a way to connect with distant friends and family, but also negative aspects, such as cyberbullying. However, overall, social networks have become a dangerous, manipulative, and negative influence in people's lives today. There is no privacy in social networks. When using the Facebook site, you may believe that all information you enter into a profile is private. However, information is constantly leaking onto the web. If a friend likes a status or comment, their friends will see it too. Facebook now also offers a sharing option, which can share personal photos on someone else's profile. Many users upload family photos, broadcast their children's names, or, using the location option on Facebook, share the time, location, and address where the user will be located. This is dangerous since a shocking 94% of teens use Facebook every day. There are dangerous people out there who will use this published information to do harm. Facebook isn't all bad though. Facebook is a great way to connect with old friends and family who may live far away. It's also a way to listen to the latest news, 30% of Americans get it from Facebook. However, this is not why you use the site. Studies show that people join Facebook to satisfy basic social needs: the need to belong and the need for self-presentation. A connection with family and friends is not the main reason why many sign up daily, but rather is considered a bonus. Most social sites are only used for advertising. The Twitter site, a website......middle of paper......ying. Cyberbullying occurs daily through the use of sites like Myspace. One million children were harassed, threatened or subjected to other forms of cyberbullying on social sites during the past year, 2011. Now the number is slowly starting to increase, because the sites are becoming more easily accessible where anyone can use them. Fake profiles are also easily created using fake images to harm another. In conclusion, the nature of most social sites is to manipulate one and make you addicted to stay relevant. The overall effect of social sites, however, depends on how you decide to build them. It can be used as a useful tool, to connect with others, or as a destructive weapon, to tear down others as well as your own mind. Remember that social sites are meant for fun and entertainment more often than not, they are not part of a person's life, so don't let them consume them.