Social media was introduced to the internet around twenty years ago. It has   since gone from strength to strength. Many people initially dismissed social   media as a passing fashion. They believed that it would never replace   face-to-face communication. There are many downsides to this   development, but I believe that overall it has had a positive effect on   our lives.   One of the main reasons why social media websites are so popular is that   they are a very convenient way of contacting friends and family. At the touch   of a button. it is possible to communicate with somebody you are close to on   the other side of the world. In the past, people were able to speak to each   other on telephones but they had to make sure that they were both at home   to make or answer the call at an agreed time. Furthermore, if someone is a   fan of a certain actor or singer. they can easily message that person and tell   them so. In return. the fans can get updates on the films or songs the a...