Over the past twenty years or so, the increase of smartphones and tablets such as iPhones and iPads has become more popular than ever before. Despite the fact that many users of sites such as these consider that they can help them to keep in touch with and to make new friends , a considerable number of sociologists believe that the popularity of electronic gadgets is actually reducing face-to-face meetings. This essay will discuss the reasons why I believe that even though smartphones and pads do have some benefits, their overall effects are predominantly negative for many users to reduce the contact between friends.