Natalie Goldman had no idea that January 18th would be a day she would never forget. While fifteen-year-old Natalie was in school, her mother was involved in a tragic car accident. During second period, she received a text message announcing her mother’s death. The news that Natalie received was equally as traumatic as the method in which she received the news.

Twenty years ago, we would have thought that in the 21st century, we could receive information in the blink of an eye. This new wave of social networking has changed the way we live our lives. We receive emails, text messages, news and have any kind of information at our fingertips. Text messaging is just one way for people to communicate with each other. The new age of cell phone usage has eliminated phone conversations, face to face communication, and even a trip to the library. People use a variety of social networks via the internet to share information with each other, stay in touch with friends and family, and as a way to advertise and seek information.

Teenagers are using networks like MySpace and Facebook to share personal information and communicate with their friends. Using a household telephone is nearly obsolete. Most teenagers and adults would rather send someone an instant message or email instead of picking up a phone to make a call. The use of social networks has increased the amount of information we know about people, but has eliminated the social connection that people have when communication in person or on the telephone.

Goldman was shocked that she received this horrific news on her cell phone, “I just can’t believe that people did not love and respect me enough to wait until I heard about this tragedy from my family,” she comments.

Social networking is also a means of communicating without boundaries. People can say things without the fear or awareness that would normally make someone think twice about what they are about to say. This type of communication has empowered people to be risqué and somewhat fearless about being so direct. Teens are taking risks that they probably would not take if they had to say something face to face.

A new study by researchers from Case Western Reserve University suggests that teenagers who text more than 120 times a day or spend more than three hours online are more likely to have experienced drugs, alcohol and sex.

Dr Scott Frank, an associate professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at Case Western Reserve University, was the lead author on the “hyper-texters” were more likely to have turned to cigarettes and 41% were more likely to have tried drugs. Ninety percent had four or more sex partners. The numbers were higher for kids who spent their time “hyper-networking”. Sixty-two percent were more likely to have tried cigarettes, 79% had tried alcohol and 84% were more likely to have used illicit drugs. “The startling results of this study suggest that when left unchecked, texting and other widely popular methods of staying connected can have dangerous health effects on teenagers.” said Dr. Frank.

Cleveland Clinic pediatric psychologist, Dr. Meghan Barlow suspects peer pressure may have more to do with teens engaging in risky behavior.

Many companies and agencies have also taken advantage of social networking. Companies use these networks as an opportunity to advertise for their agency and communicate information with a simple push of the button. Social networking has eliminated the need to leave your home for services needed or to get information that one may need.

Large companies also use Skype to communicate via web camera to be able to see personnel, make video and receive calls and send instant messages. Most services for Skype are more cost effective than using a landline to make a phone call. Universities also have communication boards via the internet to communicate with each other and work collaboratively on projects without having to meet.

Unfortunately for Goldman, the popular wave of text messaging has placed a scar upon her that she may never forget.