Social media plays a huge role in social integration and mass communication between individuals around the world. Whether it's Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or even Tumblr, social media users are always connected to each other's lives and are constantly aware of what others are doing at all times. The Internet is a strong component of our lives and it is almost impossible to be excluded from it. Just like in real life situations, there are some rules imposed on us that should be followed online. When we create a Facebook profile we should post photos, update our statuses, have friends and be active most of the time. Because of this set of rules, we place importance on discipline, surveillance, visibility and control. These elements are reminiscent of Foucault's concept of panopticism, which will be analyzed in this essay. While it may seem like we choose to expose ourselves to others, having a Facebook account has become a social expectation. And if someone doesn't have a Facebook profile, they're probably connected to another form of social media. So, we are always observing and always being observed. However, we cannot verify exactly who is viewing or “stalking” our profile. While stalking may seem like a terrible thing in real life, online it has become a common activity. There's always someone watching, so we're cautious about what we share on social media. Therefore, a virtual community is made up of multiple users with the same but different backgrounds. Users come together and participate in the action by viewing each other's Lahaliyed 1 profiles, practicing an acceptable form of stalking, as it has now become a community norm. Users are encouraged and also willing to share as much information as they feel comfortable with. .....middle of paper......show up. We are always aware that someone is watching and this can directly alter our behavior. Therefore, Facebook is fueled by a curiosity that fuels the desire to know one's friends and therefore carry out surveillance activities. We are all encouraged to be “Facebook stalkers” and expose ourselves, shedding our privacy and making room for visibility. Social media is about much more than staying in touch with friends and family, it's about curiosity, surveillance and control. We are constantly monitored and we monitor others. Social media has made us visible to anyone who cares to observe, putting our privacy at stake, as we also reinforce this behavior by doing the same to others. It has become a perfect monitoring system, as everyone is aware of what others are doing in their lives in a very fun and addictive way.