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Social networking is at an all time high right now with its global standing and will continue to evolve in the upcoming years. In fact, social media services are so widely used around the world, that they are helping to facilitate civil advocacy groups and protests. The recent revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt had been stimulated through the online circulation of news and advocacy groups by social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter (“Arab Revolt,” 2011). Since then, social protests have stirred up throughout the Middle East, with youthful activists standing up to their oppressive governments through a number of ways such as organizing groups and protest events through Facebook, circulating updated information by Twitter, and broadcasting protests clips and videos on YouTube. One Internet activist stated, “The events in Tunisia and Egypt inspired the whole region, they made us realize that we don’t have to live with all the problems we're having, and change is indeed possible” and also “Facebook and social media are playing a major role in all changes and revolutions happening in the Arab region (“Arab Revolt,” 2011).” Protests have become so widespread that certain countries such as China and Saudi Arabia have enforced blocks and censorships on certain social media sites. In sum, people’s voices are being heard through these social networking sites, and it is vehemently inspiring hope and change on a global level.
Online social networking has truly come a great way, enhancing the way the world communicates. Social networking is a forward thinking phenomenon that can only continue to expand in upcoming years and generations. With the ability to maintain relationships, share information instantly, and build professional ties, one can’t afford to miss out on the immense opportunities social networking has to offer. At the same time, legal and security drawbacks are at large, and privacy precautions along with a thorough sense of judgment must be carried out to ensure the safety of each user. Furthermore, online social media and networking services have revolutionized the developments in internet technology and will continue to serve as the future for global communication.