QUESTION
The advantages and disadvantages of social networking
SOLUTION
In the world of internet, social network sites are the newest frenzy. Websites like MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin have not only enamoured millions of users but have also become a crucial part of their daily life. There are numerous social network sites. Though, technically they are homogeneous, but heterogeneous as far as acculturation is concerned. Some sites erode the distances between the social groups and bring them closer to each other, while others provide a platform for strangers of similar interest, beliefs, and opinions to associate with each other. Then there are social sites which enable people to connect through mobile connectivity, share videos and photographs etc. Whatever basis a social network site follows, ultimately its main purpose is to bring social groups at one place and initiate interaction between them. The powerful technology which is used in the social networking sites has resulted in a steep fall in the cost involved in processing and communicating information (Baily, 2008).
Ellison (2008) is of the view that social network sites are definitely leading to an embellished society and individuals. People can stay connected with friends and family whom they might have not met for years, can be friends with people anywhere in the world etc. However, Hodgkinson (2008) argues that why do we need such social sites rather than bringing us close is actually creating distances. According to him these sites have taken a role of mediators in our relations. Instead of meeting face to face over a cup of coffee, eating and chatting and drinking in the pub; people have started sending messages, photos and videos through these sites.
Social networking sites are the most economical means of communication as they are usually free. Moreover introduction of instant messaging has brought a revolution in the field of communication as it is very fast and convenient. But with the popularity of these sites; the term ‘addiction’ has also become quite common. Since these social networking sites are free and do not levy any charges to access them, people are developing the unhealthy habit of spending long hours on the sites (DiSalvo, 2010). Nielson (2009) reported that in April 2009, 233 million hours were spent by 70 million Facebook members in comparison to 28 million hours by 23 million users in April 2008. The per capita usage saw an increase of 175 percent.
Social networking sites are of great advantages to small businesses. Free advertising is one of the major benefits. Businesses can promote their products, reach their eventual customers, can know their preferences very easily in short period of time through these sites. However there is always a risk of being hooked by people who can catch wind of your goods and services. Information can be collected by cybercriminals regarding ones identity. Moreover they can also use this information to generate passwords and other security questions. Malicious software, commonly known as malware has become the foremost headache for these sites as far as security is concerned. There are no means with these social sites through which they can check the true identities of the users. Thus online marauder can easily harm unsafe users through security attacks like hacking, leaking sensitive information and leaving viruses. The messages which people send through these sites are not scanned and may bring virus along with them.
Most of the people who have made these sites an integral part of their lives are unaware that the information like text messages, photos and videos etc which they share through these sites can be recollected even if they have deleted them. Excessive sharing of personal information may encourage sexual predators to harm the user in various manners. In February 2009, 90000 registered users on MySpace were found to be sex offenders. Out of them 43 percent were teenagers, 305 were adults up to age of 21 years and 9% were adults above 21 years. Though the site kicked out these users but they cannot stop them for ever as they can easily create new accounts with distinguish identity.
Regurgitating rancour is becoming very common through these social networking sites. One can find numerous negative, rabble-rousing and furious content on the internet which is definitely arising a feeling of hatred among youngsters. Wolf (2007) has observed that the word there are hundreds of groups featuring the words ‘Hitler’ or ‘Nazi,’ have been ruling many groups which has been created to many established to abet neo-Nazism and other anti-Semitic feelings.
The social networking sites were created with some general purpose to bring people closer to each other. With the passage of time they are progressing towards the betterment of the society as they are becoming more specific in their nature. Now there are sites which are being created to encourage health related issues like alcoholism, drug addiction, obesity etc. Social sited with a focus on some specific issues like environment safety, terrorism, corruption are providing a platform to bring people working on these areas together to fight against these anti social things. Still, there are loads of areas where social networking site need to work on to maximise the safety they provide to their users. But still the positives they are providing to the society are much more than the risks associated with them.
References
DiSalvo, D., 2010. Are Social Networks Messing with Your Head?. Scientific American Mind.
NEllison, 2008. “Is MySpace Good for Society?. A Freakonomics Quorum, [blog] 15 February, Available at: < http://socialnetworking.procon.org/view.answers.php?questionID=001614> [Accessed 20 April 2012].
MBaily, 2008. “Is MySpace Good for Society?. A Freakonomics Quorum, [blog] 15 February, Available at: < http://socialnetworking.procon.org/view.answers.php?questionID=001614> [Accessed 20 April 2012].
CWolf, 2007. “Is MySpace Good for Society?. A Freakonomics Quorum, [blog] 15 February, Available at: < http://socialnetworking.procon.org/view.answers.php?questionID=001614> [Accessed 20 April 2012].
Hodgkinson, T., 2008. With Friends Like These…. Guardian.
Tynes, M.,B., 2007. Internet Safety Gone Wild?. Adolescent Research.
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