Since I was a sophomore in high school, these so called "networking sites" have blossomed. There have been successful ones like MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter, but many others like MyYearbook and Classmates.com have popped up as well. I use the former three and used to on the latter, but the big question is: Are these "networking sites" beneficial for our society?

These "networking sites" were originally conceived as a means for people that live long distances away to communicate each other in other ways than e-mail, telephone or letters. MySpace originally nailed this. With simplistic designs and the ability to upload up to nine photos and have a "top 8", the site seemed very manageable for any "Average Joe" to use. However, over the years MySpace has broadened, allowing over 100 photos, games, and videos. What really is the purpose of this? It has become more of a site full of useless hours, trying to maintain the most friends, the most photos, the most hits. MySpace seems to have become more of a contest than anything else.

Facebook, however much I don't like the site, still seems the most relevant for the "networking sites", yet I still don't feel that it is bettering our society. Facebook asks a simple question on the main page, "What's on your mind?" This lets your friends know your status and what you are up to. The site also has a chat function, pictures, videos and more. The useless things, however, pop up as well. The LivingSocials, the games, all this stuff in my opinion is irrelevant for a "network site" that is supposed to be a means of communication.

My biggest peeve though is Twitter. To me, Twitter is the ultimate stalkers website. All you give is a short phrase based on the site's question, "What are you doing?" To me, this is an irrelevant site (yet I do use it) and really is a form off of Facebook's. "What's on your mind?" and MySpace's new status updates.

Why don't they just call these websites what they are? They aren't "networking sites" or they'd be as basic as MySpace's simple format years ago. These websites are really an internet mall. They offer games, music, photos, videos, shopping options, chat rooms and more. Sure its a basis of networking, but it really isn't making our society a better place. It is just keeping them glued to a computer screen.

Am I the only one that thinks this? I will be the first to admit that MySpace is fun and can be very relaxing. However, I do think they can be addicting and take away the reality of what exists in the outside world. Too many children are glued to MySpace and Facebook and are missing out on the enjoyments of nature and life outside a little box. For hundreds of thousands of years, children and adults lived without internet and computers and lived fine lives. I believe we could continue to live without these sites.

I could be wrong, though. Some say that these "networking sites" are a basis of our world now, a means to get things done. I don't believe this. I think that they enhance what is there, but we could continue to do our daily duties now without them.

What are your thoughts on the matter?