Social Networking: Better or Worse Than The Real Thing?

I am just curious as to see how socializing has become nowadays. Instead of leaving outside to meet new people, we are able to meet people online. Through websites such as facebook, myspace, and twitter, there is a new way to socialize with people. People can just check on these websites and find out what their friends are doing. They may chat with them online rather than pick up a phone and call. I am curious to see the development of social networking and to analyze to see the negative and positive effects it has in our society.