Social networking sites, such as Facebook, promote the sharing of personal information, the spread of potential misinformation about activism, and leave users in danger of engaging in many other crimes. Before the Internet, people's expectations were as pressing as the technology at their fingertips. Nowadays, instant gratification is a conceivable reality, and many people believe they need to have a cell phone, use email, and would be culturally remiss without participating in a social networking site. To encourage this participation, social networking sites allow the user to create a profile that reflects who they are and gives them the opportunity to share it with others. It also enables relationships and connections with networks of interest-based groups. The negative impacts of this cultural phenomenon are becoming evident with the intensity of its popularity. According to the Facebook site, in fact, of the over five hundred million active users, at least half connect to the site (Facebook) daily. With the sheer number of users logging into Facebook, it's no wonder how this technological marvel can quickly fade. Negative impacts of social networking sites include: identity theft, cyberbullying, employment dangers over social networking, and online activism abuses. Much like the introduction of television, social networks are causing a drastic cultural upheaval, ushering in an era where information is nearly limitless and you can be, virtually, whoever you want. Before the advent of electronic communication, such as the use of cell phones, email, and social networking sites, there was more human interaction. There were more letters, evening walks and farming… middle of paper… all vulnerability. Everyone is at risk and should be weary of abusing social networking sites, be aware of predators, and protect themselves from identity theft. Even though instant gratification seems to be here to stay, we should remind ourselves that there is a physical world beyond our virtual lives. Works Cited Dugan, Laura. “The Pitfalls of Activism on Facebook.” May 3. 2010. Network. 28 March 2011Espejo, Roman. Should social networking sites be banned? Detroit: Greenhaven, 2008. Print Gaudin, Sharon. Computer world. October 6. 2009. Network. 28 March 2011Sfakiyanudis, Ermis. Crackdown on cyberslackers - BusinessWeek. Network. March 28. 2011.Facebook. "Statistics" network. March 28. 2011. Thomas, Joe. Negative impact of social networking sites. Network. March 28. 2011Willard, Nancy E. Cyberbullying and Cyber ​​Threats. Campaign: Research Press; 2nd edition, 2007. Print.