Social media has changed the way people communicate with each other and, as a result, has affected our ability to empathize in both negative and positive ways. One of the most harmful consequences is the rise in cyberbullying. Another negative problem has been the trend of trolling in the comments sections of websites, chat rooms, and other places of online communication. Despite this, social media has had constructive consequences, such as allowing family and friends to stay in touch regularly. Through social media, many people find support and resources to help them when they are going through difficult times or experiencing tragedies like death or illness. Overall, social media is an exciting new world that is evolving as it grows and it will be up to society to use it wisely. A lack of empathy is reflected in the growing trend of cyberbullying. “I’m jumping off the GW bridge, sorry.” It was the last status update Tyler Clementi posted on his Facebook page before jumping to his death from the George Washington Bridge in New York. About a month before his suicide, Tyler, who was gay, had started his freshman year at Rutgers University and found himself staying with a roommate who was uncomfortable around those who were openly gay. Unbeknownst to Tyler, his roommate began electronically spying on him and eventually recorded him kissing a man. The roommate then posted the video to YouTube and soon Tyler's fateful and heartbreaking Facebook status would follow (Cloud). The combination of the roommates' inability to understand Tyler's lifestyle and the ease of communicating with a large audience online proved to be a deadly combination. Unfortunately, stories like Tyler's have become more common... middle of paper ... the positive results of the rise of social media as well as many cases of strangers helping others in times of need. As more people use online communication, empathy will play an important role in deciding whether it does more harm or more good to society. Works Cited Billitteri, Thomas J. “Preventing Bullying.” CQ Researcher December 10, 2010: 1013-36. Internet. Oct 23 2013.---, Thomas J. “Cyberbullying.” CQ Researcher May 2, 2008: 385-408. Internet. October 23, 2013. Cloud, John. “Bulied to death?” Time 176.16 (2010): 60-63. Academic research completed.Web. October 23, 2013. Dellorto, Danielle. “Burned Iraqi boys stand 6 years later.” CNN March 21, 2013. Web. December 11, 2013 stopbullying.gov. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Internet. October 23, 2013 Wang, Shirley S. “Could These Online Hours Make Kids More Enjoyable?” Wall Street Journal, August 16, 2011. Web. December 11. 2013.