The Internet was created only about thirty years ago, and yet it has become integrated into the daily lives of almost everyone. One of the most conventional uses of the Internet is communication. Most cannot live a day without using the Internet to communicate with others; colleagues, peers and family. Many are adopting this technology appreciating the ability to communicate with others wherever they are, whether they are at home, work or even school. Communicating on the Internet can be used to make new friends, maintain long-distance relationships, and absorb the thoughts that others share to become more intelligent. Some disagree with such constant use of the Internet, saying it isolates people, makes them stupider and can pose a danger to anyone. Some people have trouble making new friends, either because they are shy or simply because society views them as being "different" or "weird." The Internet helps individuals overcome these obstacles while socializing on the Internet. Most use social networking sites such as: Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr. According to proponents of social networking, these websites allow adolescents to socialize and make friends with peers they would not normally approach (Social Network Websites, n.d.). It seems their shyness disappears behind a computer screen and they can have any identity they want, and even find other people with the same interests. On the other hand, some argue that the Internet is dangerous. Sexual predators and pedophiles can join social networking sites too easily and use websites to lure minors to meet them in person. It is also argued that spending too much time on the Internet can hinder social growth (Social Network Websites, nd). The amount...... middle of paper ......science, University of Michigan. Written for CQ Researcher, retrieved March 23, 2014 from the CQ Researcher database. Rhea, Dave, “Social Media Magnifies Internet Addiction,” Journal Record (Oklahoma), November 24, 2009. Retrieved March 20, 2014, from http:///archives.cnn.com Russell, Frank Michael, (March 15, 2010). “Google and the Web Make Us Smarter, 3 in 4 Experts Agree,” San Jose (Calif.) Mercury News, retrieved February 19, 2010. Schaefer, Richard T. “Mass Media.” Sociology: a brief introduction. 13th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2012. 153. Print.Social Media Websites. Retrieved March 23, 2014 from the Issues & Controversies database. Vigdor, Jacob L. and Helen F. Ladd (June 2010). “Scaling the Digital Divide: Home Computer Technology and Student Achievement,” National Bureau of Economic Research, accessed March 21, 2014, at www.nber.org/papers/w16078.pdf.