1. Online Social Networks Have Many Benefits. By Ashley Wells

2. Online social networks help build communication skills, especially in shy teens.  Shy kids will be less nervous talking to people over the Internet than in person  Shy kids will build communication skills by learning to interact online. They can then use these skills in person.  Article and Quote: “Are Social Networking Sites Good for Our Society?” “Social networking sites..lower inhibitions to overcome social anxiety. People who have a difficulty communicating in person are more comfortable interacting via the Internet” (online).

3. Online Networking Sites Make Keeping in Contact With Faraway Friends and Family Members Easier  Joey met a boy at summer camp and they became friends. They both have Facebook, which makes keeping in contact easier.  Sally's family lives out in California, she keeps in contact with them through MySpace.  Article and Quote “Pros and Cons of Social Networking Sites” “The best advantage of social networking sites is that these sites allow you to keep in touch with your friends, classmates, and relatives...Here geographical locations are no barrier to stay in touch” (online).

4. Opposing Viewpoint: Harassment is a major concern on social networking sites.  If someone doesn't like you all they have to do is search your name and then they can endlessly harass you.  George uses Twitter. His ex-friend found his account and starting posting nasty messages about him, so George got really depressed and committed suicide.  Article and Quote: “Social Networking Tip: The Pros and Cons of Social Networking Sites” “Cases of online harassment...have also been a concern. People who have issues with you or for whatever reason just can search on your name and...harass you” (online).

5. Rebuttal: People who use social networking sites can protect themselves from harassment  Social networking sites allow you to report people who may harass you.  You also choose who you want to be friends with, you don't have to add everybody who makes a request to be your friend.  Some sites even allow you to delete people from your friends list.  Article and Quote: “Social Networking Tip: The Pros and Cons of Social Networking Sites” “...users are allowed to report or block users that go out of bounds” (online).  If someone harasses you, you can always report them and delete them from your friends list.

6. Conclusion  In conclusion, the benefits of social networking sites outweigh the risks.

7. Works Cited  "Pro & Con Arguments: "Are Social Networking Sites Good for Our Society?"" ProCon.org. Web. 11 Jan. 2011..  "Pros And Cons Of Social Networking Sites - Advantages & Disadvantages Of Social Networking Sites." Lifestyle Lounge - Online Lifestyle Magazine. Web. 11 Jan. 2011..http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/pros-and-

8. Works Cited (Cont'd)  "Social Networking Tip: The Pros and Cons of Social Networking Sites." HubPages. Web. 11 Jan. 2011..http://hubpages.com/hub/Pros-and- Cons-of-Social-