Whether it’s repeatedly checking for updates or a new comment, obsessively playing games like farm town, or just finding people you haven’t seen in years, more and more people are flocking to social networking sites with a vengeance. The online craze that started with Xanga, moved on to MySpace, and is now on a completely new level with Facebook and Twitter.

Sites such as Facebook and MySpace originated as an avenue to connect old friends has now become an online diary.  According to facebook.com, more than eight billion minutes are spent on Facebook each day.  People have become obsessive in the way that they use the sites.  Instead of reconnecting people, people use the sites to rant and give step-by-step playbacks of their day. 

What once was discussed in a private conversation between friends, now is being posted for the world to see. With this new means of communication, reputations are being shattered. Lies are being uncovered, slip-ups are leading to big trouble, and photos and posts are having severe consequences.  People have lost their jobs for blogging about their partying.  Members of organizations or clubs have been kicked out for racy comments and pictures. There have been countless cases where someone prominent in society has had to explain a previous comment, post or picture.  On the internet, there’s no such thing as privacy.  When it’s out there for all to see, there’s bound to be trouble.

Yes, for separated friends or family members, sites like these can be a life-saver.  They can bridge the gap, and make it easier to communicate with one another. This was the original purpose for the sites and they should be limited to that purpose. Stop obsessing America. Really, does the entire world need to know when you are taking a shower or laying down for a brief nap?