The biggest criticism(批评) of social networking is that our young people are losing their offline friends to online friends. In fact there is a lot of research that shows these criticisms are generally unfounded. Research by the Pew Internet and American Life Project found that people are not replacing offline friends with online companions but are using them to support their offline relationships.
However, there is one part of social networking that is deeply worrying. We find ourselves in a hyper-connected world where people access social media day and night, excited to make announcements about the tiniest details of their lives. Research is starting to show that this culture is negatively affecting not our friendships but our character.
Professor Larry Rosen, in his book iDisorder, says that young people who overuse social networking sites can become vain, aggressive. But perhaps an even more disturbing effect is that one of our most basic emotions seems to be disappearing- empathy. This is the emotion that bonds us together; it allows us to see the world from our friends' points of view. Without it, we are far less able to connect and form meaningful adult relationships.
Sherry Turkle, a professor of Social Studies of Science and Technology at MIT, suggests that people are no longer comfortable being alone. This is something confirmed by a study where 200 university students were asked to go without social media for 24 hours. Many admitted an addiction to their online social network; most complained that they felt cut off from their family and friends. But being alone is a time, Turkle argues, when we self-reflect and get in touch with who we really are. It is only when we do this that we can make meaningful friendships with others. She believes, as is the title of her book, that we are simply "Alone Together".
These potential changes in our characters are rather disturbing. If nothing is done, our young people could well be in trouble. Therefore, suggestions about ways to encourage our young people to avoid the problems of social networking should be made, so they can develop the kinds of friendships that are required to grow into well-adjusted and happy adults.
