Sir: Many people use social networks on a daily basis, including Facebook and Twitter, but not everyone thinks that using them is a good idea. Some people think that social media is distracting while others think that social networks connect users to new people and ideas. Social networking may help teenagers learn technical skills, but it ruins social and communication skills. Instead of face-to-face interaction, my generation is becoming too comfortable interacting with screens. Company managers often use Facebook as a tool to learn about prospective employees. Often times they will look through a possible employee’s Facebook account before deciding to even bring them in for an interview. What people post on Facebook can be a very good indicator of their true character. People tarnish their image by spending too much time uploading unimportant things. When excessive amounts of time are spent on these sites, They have less time to directly socialise with others. Those who do not go out and meet others have harder a time accomplishing important social tasks. Because they are not face-to-face, many people say things on sites that they normally would not say. Unfortunately, this unhealthy “venting” can result in serious side-effects. Social media sites have a negative effect on the health of all children, preteens and teenagers by making them more prone to anxiety, depression and other psychological disorders. They can also result in a lost job opportunity, take away time that could be used in the workplace, and they bring harmful psychological side effects in teens. Social networking is a disease, and we desperately need a cure. Healthy relationships and communication are necessary in life, and they should not start or be kept up online. Also, sites such as Facebook and Twitter are highly addictive; the average teen spends about nine hours per week on them. Some feel compelled to post news about themselves multiple times a day. At such a tender age, sleeping, studying and exercising should be more important, but sadly, those are not most kids’ priorities. Call me old-fashioned, but I strongly believe technology and social networking are undermining our society. LAIBA KHURSHID Islamabad