IntroductionSocial networking is the grouping of individuals into specific groups, such as small rural communities. It is the use of dedicated websites and applications to interact with other users or to find people with similar interests to yours. Boyd and Ellison define a web-based social networking site as a service that allows users to: “(1) Build a public or semi-public profile within a limited system; (2) articulate a list of other users with whom they share a connection; and (3) view and consult your list of connections and those made by others within the system” (2008, p. 211). The top five social networking sites are Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest and Google+. There are pros and cons of social networks. Some benefits of social networks have increased criminal prosecution due to social media, social networks create new social connections, students do better in school, a better quality of life and social media can be used as a source of employment. Police departments monitor social media for criminals stupid enough to brag about their crimes online. Social networks are a great way to connect with out-of-town relatives and new people in foreign countries. Statistics show that 57% of teenagers make new friends on social media sites. Students are doing better in school because with Internet access, 50% reported using social networking technologies to discuss schoolwork. Facebook has support groups where members discuss their health conditions and resources relevant to their conditions while building strong support networks. The best social media site to use as a job source is LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a major resource used by 89% of job recruiters...... middle of paper...... May 11, 2014, from http://blog.outsourcing-partners.com/2012/10/ why- nosql-database-is-used-by-facebook-google-and-linkedin-applications/Skinner, C. (2009, March 03). Facebook hit by five security issues in one week. PC World, retrieved from http://www.pcworld.com/article/160545/facebook_security.htmlStrickland, J., & Chandler, N. (2007, December 17). HowStuffWorks "Twitter API".HowStuffWorks. Retrieved May 11, 2014, from http://computer.howstuffworks.com/internet/social-networking/networks/twitter2.htmidefense: 1.5 million Facebook accounts for sale. (2010, April 23). Retrieved from http://www.zdnet.com/idefense-1-5-million-facebook-accounts-for-sale-3040088751/10 pros and cons of social media. (n.d.). The ten best social media. Retrieved May 11, 2014, from http://www.toptensocialmedia.com/social-media-social-buzz/10-pros-and-cons-of-social-media/#comments