It seems that these days everyone is on Facebook. It's hard to believe that as recently as 2006, Facebook didn't even exist. Now, even if you don't have a Facebook account of your own, you're almost certainly "connected" to someone who does.

If you are a part of this social network phenomenon, we'd like to have you connect with us! Facebook is a great way to stay informed about Social Security and what it means to you.

With more than 400 million active users worldwide, Facebook was ranked as the most-used social network website in the world according to a 2009 study. What better place than Facebook to join Social Security's network and stay in the know?

In addition to a Facebook page, Social Security also has started "tweeting."

If you're not connected to us on Facebook (or even if you are), be sure to follow Social Security on Twitter. Social Security news and information is presented in easily digestible, 140-character bits!

Coincidently, Twitter found its beginnings in 2006 as well. It was ranked as the third most popular social networking website in 2009 and boasts six million unique monthly visitors and 55 million visits a month.

Whether you're a fan of Facebook or you tend toward Twitter, we hope these electronic avenues will help us reach more people who can benefit from our online information and services.

To follow us on Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/socialsecurity and click "like."

To follow us on Twitter, go to www.twitter.com/socialsecurity and select "Follow Social Security" to receive our messages.

Or, visit www.socialsecurity.gov and look for the Facebook and Twitter icons. While you're there, take a look at the icon that links to our YouTube page where you can watch Social Security videos, including public service announcements featuring rock and roll icon Chubby Checker and academy award winning actress Patty Duke.

Ginny Jordan is a Public Affairs Specialist for the Social Security Administration. Her weekly column on all things Social Security appears in the Sunday Edition of the Sun-Sentinel.

Ginny has agreed to let us reprint her articles here for your convenience.

Thank you Ginny!