We often hear that Social Media and all new technology is hurting our way of life and how we communicate, that we do not have the same interactions or societal norms as before. As a result, our society will soon be filled of loners and degenerates who spend all their time on their phones, computers and the latest iApple product, knowing nothing about the real world around them.

And in a way, those who have these beliefs are partly right. The truth is Social Media has changed the way we communicate and our thought process – that part is obvious. We no longer have to wait for the evening news or the newspaper to find out what is happening in the world; it is at our fingertips.

However, our society is not the loner or degenerate culture. According to one study, people who use social networks are more likely to have a diverse and larger group of friends who support them – much of whom they interact offline with as well.  Also, Facebook users are more likely to be politically engaged and knowledgeable about world events.

In fact it was Social Media in 2011 that broke the news of Osama Bin Laden’s death to much of the world’s population. It let people know of a natural disaster before it could hit them. It was also Social Media that let the world get an insider’s look at protests from Egypt to the United States.

While it may seem like the worst of times, it is also the best of times. Never before in history have we been able to document and achieve history like this, or have we been able to help those around the world with a simple click. In a sense, Social Media has, and will continue, to change how we think, interact and even protest.

And while naming a zoo’s snake may not change the world, Social Media could help pick the next world leaders.

What will 2012 bring? We’ll have to sit back, and enjoy the ride.

What’s the most memorable event you saw first on social media in 2011?