Time flies fast, a few years ago people tended to communicate using wired devices like phones or ham radios. Today, the Internet has reshaped our world beyond our imagination. People now use desktop or laptop computers not only for work but also for entertainment and communication.

Part of the growing popularity of the world wide web as a new means of communication is the advent of social networking sites. These are proprietary websites that can be used by ordinary people to post personal profiles, images, videos, music, and messages. Users of social networking sites can invite other “friends” to join their network so they can view and share personal information with each other.

There are several social networking sites today, among the most popular are Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. Most of the members of these sites are teenagers who love the company of friends and other people. However, did you know how important social networking sites are?

1. Keep in touch

By keeping a profile on these sites, your loved ones, friends, and distant relatives don’t have to call you every time just to stay in touch. One can take the opportunity to post personal messages, pictures and videos of oneself for loved ones to see again and again. It is cheap, fast and real-time technology available to everyone.

2. Job Search

Several companies in the US and Europe are taking advantage of social networking sites to recruit competent employees. On the other hand, job seekers take advantage of these sites to post their resume and credentials. It is a great tool that can be used to make a good impression on a company. If you’re applying for a computer-related job, it would be great to keep a personal profile.

3.Emergency

Have you heard of several thousand people saved using social networking sites? Twitter has been a great tool for many to deliver messages to thousands of concerned citizens in an instant in times of tragedy and natural calamities. People looking for fundraisers and donations can use the Facebook or MySpace sites to call on generous people.

Many people consider these sites to be the work of the devil. Could be. However, one must realize that anything can turn good or bad depending on the person’s intentions. Social networking sites have shaped our world whether we like it or not, and they will become an indispensable tool if used for good purposes.