Social networking sites govern the teenage world.

            Social media is something that has become so popular that students and grandmothers alike are now getting connected. Social networks a great way to stay in touch with loved ones and see what other people are up to.

            However, many people are now questioning the exact role that social media groups like Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter now have in students' lives. Some of the popular social media websites are distracting students from their studies, which in turn is lowering their grades. Many schools, including NCHS that have decided to block or ban access to such sites as like Facebook  on campus in the hopes that students will be able to focus.
            There are some serious effects for students who attend schools that have decided to ban social media websites on campus. The blackout allows students to focus on their homework so that they are not constantly flipping back and forth from homework to Facebook.

            As senior Daniel B. states, “I’m glad I’m not tempted to get on Facebook at school, otherwise I would never get any work done” This helps students better retain information and ensures that more work is being turned in on time. According to junior Karah B. “I always turn in work late due to the fact that I stay on Facebook to long the night before it’s due.”

             Sometimes students feel obligated or compelled to check their profiles on Facebook.  Senior Paige R. stated that, “I often check my Facebook more than 5 times a day for new updates.”  With schools blocking Facebook, students are able to focus on writing their essays, completing their reading, and talking to people face to face rather than just online.

            Though social networks allow people to stay connected with one another, it can prove distracting. Students sometimes slip when it comes to class attendance because they are on Facebook and similar websites at all hours of the night. “I sometimes find myself staying up extremely late all the time because of Facebook” , says senior Kaitlyn H. This not only affects one's grades but also his or her health.

            Not only are students staying in touch with one another, they are also meeting new people both in and outside of their schools, via such websites. This helps people coordinate their schedules and even plan study groups and meetings.
            The world is constantly changing. Today, the Internet brings people together in new and meaningful ways. Instead of losing touch with people, social media websites allow people to stay connected. This connection is great because it allows people to learn important social skills, to find out about events, and to stay connected about assignments and study groups.