While with the constant use of these social technologies, fewer people are communicating in person, this type of technology could do more harm than good, as with the rise of websites such as Facebook, social media may be poised to replace traditional personal interactions for the next generation. Social media was created for the sole purpose of helping individuals communicate. There are many other reasons why these technologies are used, but communication remains the main one. This not only changes the way we communicate, but also the way we interact with each other in daily life. Proponents of social networking sites argue that online communities promote increased interaction with friends and family; providing teachers, librarians and students with valuable access to educational support and materials. Social media is now prevalent in our world with the expansion of existing social networks, social networking sites are being created for educators and healthcare professionals, all accessible 24 hours a day via computer, tablet, phone smart and internet-enabled devices. Opponents of social media say these sites prevent face-to-face communication, waste time on frivolous activities and spread false and potentially harmful information. Social media has become an important part of our modern civilization. It is a defining feature of the integration of our social interactions. Social networks have become an important source of information. Their availability on social networks makes the news more accessible. From a motivational perspective, people use social media to meet a variety of social needs, including association, self-expression, and self-presentation. Therefore, using a social network can improve middle of paper... where these positives outweigh the negatives. Nothing can replace personal interaction. This type of technology could do more harm than good. Works Cited WILCOX, KEITH; STEPHEN, ANDREW T. Journal of Consumer Research (June 2013), Vol. 40 Number 1Are close friends enemies? Online social networks, self-esteem and self-controlOLLIER-MALATERRE, ARIANE; ROTHBARD, NANCY P.; BERG, JUSTIN M. Academy of Management Review (October 2013), Vol. 38 Issue 4When Worlds Collide in Cyberspace: How Boundaries Work in Online Social Networks Impact Professional RelationshipsGonzales, Amy L. and Jeffrey T. Hancock (2011), “Mirror, Mirror on My Facebook Wall: Effects of the Facebook exhibition on self-esteem”, Cyberpsychology, behavior and social networks, 14 (January/February), 79-83.Bowles, MD (2013) Introduction to digital: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.