"Virtual popularity Isn't Cool-It's Pathetic

                  In the article "Virtual popularity isn't Cool-It's Pathetic" by Ian Daly he argues that social networking sites such as Facebook (new up-to-date version of Myspace) are attracting more people from an older age group, particularly middle-aged men. While there are benefits of being able to reach people all over the world at any given time it also causes the problem of the site taking up a lot of that persons time. Daly explains this by using examples of older men on social media sites who in short not acting their age but rather like little girls who can't get over this virtual world where they feel cool to gossip with strangers who they nothing about other than a picture and meaningless conversation all while ignoring his responsibilities at hand. In other words these people put their real life on hold while they distract themselves with the cyber-world. Daly believes that getting careless with the habit of social networking could eventually result in a disastrous outcome of ones personal life.

         I agree with Ian Daly, the reliance of social media sites has become somewhat of a drug. Where not only grown men but people of all age groups have become fascinated with the virtual version of ones self. I myself witness personally what these sites do to the average persons image and their self esteem. The thought of being noticed by many people is intriguing but it also draws the person to compare his/her current situation to that of others. I believe this is the downfall of social networking, where one is supposed to feel free to express themselves it also allows the user to be distracted or fascinated by another persons life thus drawing them away from their own responsibilities. This is a trend that does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon with celebrities, and other individuals that may be deemed as important, on the social networks as well ones self might feel closer to these people than they probably will never meet in their lifetime.