There's no doubt that our generation is obsessed with social media.. *Checks phone before continuing writing*. But, we seem to get way too much flack for it. Yes, we like to check our phones at the worst times, and think that all of our thoughts are important enough to post all over the Internet, but what most people are ignorant to is that this has helped create a new generation of thinkers.

Truth be told, I'm kind of addicted to Twitter. I know it, my friends know it, even my parents understand what "140 character or less" means. Some may think this is slightly vain or insane, but no one has ever asked me why.

To me, Twitter is a challenge. Each tweet sent out has to be quick, to the point, and reflective of what you think as a person. Twitter gives people the opportunity to connect on a level I do not think existed until the age of social media. Each person is allowed to post what they think and feel about day-to-day events, politics, the news, and so much more. It allows you to know a person, without really knowing that person.

While I understand the concern of a little person hiding in a room using social media for evil and not good, I don't quite understand why adults have such an issue with this new era of communication.

These networks allow people to connect even if they are halfway across the world. It allows you to banish the first impression in person and get to know how a person thinks, feels, and wants to represent themselves. It lets people who would otherwise feel extremely shy connect with others who share the same view.

People my age are also connected constantly to the news. We live in an age that we can log onto an account and have instant updates of what is going on in the world. We can talk about headline news with other, form our own ideals about political topics, and have a broad spectrum of opinions in a matter of minutes.

While social media may seem like an awful outlet for some, consider it as a way of communication and understanding for people who would otherwise not connect. And before you judge the use of it, don't.