The world is undergoing a rapid growth in technological advancement and information dissemination is now easier and faster through the use of the internet.  Social Networking involves linking specific individuals or organizations together to share common interests which could involve politics, career, academics, religion, hobbies etc; it is now one of the most popular tools used to communicate all around the world with the creation of so many of these social networking websites accessible universally such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Netlog, My Space, Badoo, Bebo and so on.

These sites help to connect friends and families irrespective of proximity. It helps to unite people from different parts of the world with different backgrounds, tribes and languages for the purpose of exchange of information and ideas and in the establishment of friendships and relationships.  Most of these sites have mailing and chatting facilities that aid information dissemination and facilitate the communication process especially with the advent of smart phones which makes the internet easily accessible. I have had some of my problems solved through suggestions from friends online and have also proffered solutions when necessary. Countless numbers of groups or nexuses with similar interest have emerged; clubs, associations, unions, leagues, and so on, in order to unanimously achieve set goals and objectives. What about online dating? Little wonder how some people affectionately follow up persons online; some even end up in marriage, it's really amazing!

Have you ever slumped into a sofa after a hard day’s job with your eyes closed and wished you had something to calm your nerves aside a cup of cold drink just to reduce the tension caused by the hustle and bustle of the day? Have you ever studied or worked for so long a time and wished you could try out something else for a change? Many people let loose by sharing jokes, experiences, hobbies, thoughts, interests, achievements, successes, failures and other entertaining and recreational activities online; everyone needs someone to talk to, it is a way of lifting one’s spirit and restoring serenity to one's entire system.

Have you ever thought of reaching out to millions of people at the same time in different places? Social networking sites afford you that opportunity.  Advertising on these sites is open to all and sundry such as individuals, government, cooperate organizations, religious bodies, associations, political parties, academic institutions etc. People get to know about job opportunities, scholarships and events such as conferences, seminars, ceremonies, workshops and so on.  Professionals in different fields such as great writers, artistes, speakers, footballers, etc, use this medium to sell themselves by connecting with their fans so that they can keep abreast of recent activities or performances. Religious bodies use this avenue to advertise crusades, anniversaries, conventions, revivals, concerts and so on, so as to get people to participate; many great ministers of God have an extension of their ministries on social networking sites as this is a means to reach out to millions of people from different parts of the world at the same time in order to win them to God. How many people have seen or spoken with their mentors or role models? But they can be followed on social networking sites.

Misuse of social networking has become detrimental to lives of many especially the youths today; some waste quality time that would have been channeled towards achieving a goal, completing a task or finishing an assignment. They forget the consequences of time wasting and pursue frivolities; no wonder some companies had to deactivate social networking facilities from their computers during work hours when they discovered that productivity of staff was minimal due to lack of concentration.  Most academic institutions had to disallow the use of cell phones during lecture hours when they realized a drop in academic performance of students as a result of distraction; they preferred idle chatting to listening attentively.

If your mind is not conditioned to attract positive things, you might just fall for anything otherwise. A lot of mind polluting ideas are also shared on social networking sites; this might be the major reason some people with strong religious beliefs shy away from socializing.  The rate of juvenile delinquency is so high which may be due to unguarded exposure of young ones to things that contravene core moral values. Some of these erroneous concepts can be very destructive; you may not be able to control when you see, read or hear them but you may be able to control how they affect you.  Such things as pornography, offensive videos and views that torture the mind should be avoided as much as possible.

There is no limit to what one can do with a computer; however, some online predators have decided to use their skills negatively to hack websites, infringe into people’s privacy, siphon money, camouflage, spread viruses and cause confusion online. I almost quarreled with a friend who kept sending ridiculous messages to me only to discover he was not even aware of it.  Be very careful; watch the sites you visit, who you relate with and the information you share online; it might just be a trap!