Jaden Murashima

Mrs. Yuasa
Expository Writing
11/11/14
Argumentative Essay

In this day and age social networking/media has caught the attention of many
around the world. It has become so big that one in four people worldwide will use social
networks in 2013(Shea Bennett). That is an amazing 1.73 billion social media users
globally. Now think about it, thats 1.73 billion people behind phones and computers
posting pictures, commenting on posts, and starting conversations. But is this where we
draw the line and ask does social networking make people feel more alone or connected?
Does having a conversation through a computer or phone the same as talking face to
face? Well in my opinion it is. I believe that social networking can make others feel more
connected to an extent.
We all know that Facebook, twitter, instagram and Vine are huge social
networking sites. But how many people use them everyday? Facebook has 1.23 billion
monthly active users945 million mobile usersand 757 million daily users(Emil
Protalinski). Twitter has 248 million monthly users and instagram has 200 million daily
users. By only looking at the numbers you can tell that the social networking craze has
spread and grow over the years. Everyone from normal students to business workers to
celebrities are using social networking to connect with each other in ways that could not
be possible. Social networking has allowed friends to connect in seconds and see what
each other is doing by posting pictures, short videos, and comments. Consequently, social
networking has made our world faster and more efficient.
Indeed many may think that social networking takes away from talking face to
face. And although it does, social networking allows people to be connected with each
other even if they are not physical next to each other. Studies have shown that In the
survey more than 1,000 13- to 17-year-olds about how they view their digital lives, 28%
said social networking made them feel more outgoing versus 5% who said it made them
feel less so; and 29% said it made them feel less shy versus the 3% who said it made
them feel more introverted(Kelly Wallace). Clearly many teens feel that social media
makes them feel more connected and I agree. Many of my friends have twitter and
instagram; I always hear them discussing the latest posting or tweet that was sent out.
Social networking is almost like a second you; you are online creating conversations with
friends or strangers without being physically there but behind a screen.
On the flip side, there are many objections to this statement. Some may argue that
social networking makes people feel more alone because they are not physically next to
each other. Being behind a computer screen or iphone could make people feel alone since
they are by themselves. But on the contrary, many kids, teens and adults feel much more

connected with each other. Social networking can create bonds and friendships that face
to face could not. Thats why the usage of online sites has increased tremendously and
thousands are hoping on the social networking bandwagon.
Social networking is everywhere. From you parents work place to schools it has
become a main part in our everyday life. We are always looking for great and efficient
ways to connect with our peers; facebook, twitter, and instagram are all exceptions of
that. Social networking/media is a new way to share thoughts and ideas, and although far
apart we are still connected.

"Instagram: Monthly Active Users 2013-2014 | Statistic." Statista. N.p., n.d. Web. 13
Nov. 2014.
http://www.mediabistro.com/alltwitter/social-media-worldwide-growth_b45043