Social networking has many functions

An Everett Herald article noted that users of Facebook and Twitter were from different demographics. One person thought it was a waste of time. One quoted authority said such sites allowed uncommitted interactions between people. Here is what I wrote:

"Sociologist Karen Sternheimer says that's the attraction of all social networking sites. No matter how flashy or simplistic, they provide a chance to interact with others in a way that requires the least possible personal commitment."

Seems to me the reasons people use social networking sites is varied. Some just want to connect with old friends they long ago lost touch with. Others use it as a stepping stone to a new relationship -- which if it is to grow must go beyond the social networking site where it started. Others just like the idea of a place where they can express themselves -- regardless of whether anyone is watching or interacting with them. Twitter, in particular, offers the possiblily of sharing a real-time event with strangers at a moment when nothing else interesting is happening -- or when information sharing about an event they are experiencing (such as a traffic issue) is useful.