From Facebook via Pinterest to Google+, the world of social networking has exploded online. There are few people who haven’t heard the big names, most have an account at one or more of the sites. They are fun, easy ways to connect with family, friends and strangers who may become friends. With so many funny pictures, inspirational videos and interactive games as part of the package, it’s not surprising that these sites have become a part of our lives, but how does all this socialising affect daily life?

To begin with, time is a big issue with internet social sites. For some, those who add close friends and family, there may be only a few items to catch up on each day. For others, trying to catch up with everything everyone on their list has posted can take a significant chunk of time out of their day. It is not uncommon for an hour to pass on a social media site without the user really noticing.

Nothing wrong with that, per se, but it can become something of an obsession. It’s well-documented that an obsession can have detrimental effects on a person’s life, in this case, their real life opposed to their virtual one. These can include depression, lack of self-worth, isolation, addiction and even affect someone physically. Sitting in front of a computer for hours on end is not a good way to keep fit. Managing how much time is spent on these sites is worthwhile for anyone who uses them on a daily basis.

As negative as using these sites can be, there is also a very positive side. There are plenty of stories reporting how Facebook contact has helped people. It’s worth considering people who are shut-in. A social network can be a lifesaver for them, allowing them contact with other people on a daily basis. Many social sites have chat options which allow people immediate contact with others.

There is also the positivity which can come from laughter. Every day, across the sites, there are thousands of photos published. Many of them are captioned, some funny, others inspirational. Seeing one of those posts can help lift a person out of a low patch, get their day going in a brighter direction. Inspirational pictures are great for making people think ‘No matter how bad I’m feeling right now, at least it’s not as bad as …’ Those images can even save a life as this example shows.

Older relatives, parents and university students, and those who live hundreds or thousands of miles apart, can keep in contact with ease, daily if wished. The simple act of making contact with another person on a social network site can make all the difference to someone’s day.

Equally, it is possible to ruin a day simply by reading or posting something which causes others to react badly. Be it a family argument carried out via a list of posts on Facebook or someone taking offence at a post which seemed innocuous initially, it is hard not to take these things personally and to not let them upset what would otherwise be a good day.

With these sites being so much a part of daily life for so many, there is no doubt that they can also become irritating. Do these sound familiar? The friend who is constantly checking their phone for updates. The child who simply HAS to have the latest add-on/app. The friend who spends hours trying to beat scores to be the top of the gamer list. The colleague who constantly spouts ‘funny’ quotes from his social media site. The mums who update about their kids every movement.

It can all get a bit much, especially if it happens constantly. Thankfully, there is an easy solution. Turn the computer/phone off! Maybe it’s time to get out of the house and socialise with people in the real world, be it talking to an elderly neighbour or lunch out with friends. Creating a social network in the real world can take the pressure off the daily grind in the virtual one.