They’re not just revolutionizing anymore. Yesterday, it used to be more than just enough to have an online presence for a one- way spread of information. But now, it seems that everything has become all about social networking. Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking sites (also regarded as social media) don’t only drive new forms on social understanding and communication; they also modify and expand online users’ behavior in terms of expectations on privacy and etiquette. How to Use Social Networking Sites Safely? Many believe that sometime in the future, beholds a new title holder for Internet’s search function – social media, wherein people will no longer maneuver alone on the Internet, but instead use these as platforms to search for information. Also, that word of the mouth will eventually explode into a more diverse consumer- generated activity, in which more and more people will have the ability to access and influence.
Social Networking: Boon or Bane?
While everyone seems to be diverted into this intricate craze, there is definitely a confident assessment that not ALL are aware of such rules and substandard attributes associated in social networking. But nonetheless, nobody has been restricted to using the.
Advantages of Social Networking
- Making extended connections with people is one of the key advantages of social networking. It serves as a host of the different reasons by various user communities, since it allows you to participate in online activities and events, while sharing your similar interest and goals with them. Also, features such as “poke” and “like” are introduced as gestures for initiating communication which is why making friends has become so easy.
- Social networking becomes a practice for people to present who they are in the public. This is validated through commenting and posting. They learn to communicate and contribute to the general distribution on culture, and create a positive image. Examples of which are self- made videos and notes that indicate one’s skills and expression. And when other people get to appreciate those, a larger social circle is then created.
- There is more motivation on learning that comes with self- directedness, thus, respect in one’s authority online is generated. Also, you build credibility which could come in handy when preparing for a business in terms of promoting your product/ services online.
- You get to broadcast an event listing to get pulse from people which is a great way to stay connected. This is seen effective when conducting campaigns.
Disadvantages of Social Networking
- Since you are putting out information (name, location, age, gender, etc.) about yourself on public, the lack of anonymity becomes an important issue since as long as people knew of any information about you; they will always find a way to do you in.
- There is a huge potential of having your security at risk, since these social networking sites don’t guarantee you any confidentiality measures against cases of harassment, stalking, scams and identity theft. While others may provide this procedure, there are still social networking sites that don’t have the ability to report and block users.
- It is time consuming, and troubling as it affects you other areas of work. Also, it shall concern your health in the future.
How to Stay Safe?
There’s this urban myth that has been dubbed as a major scientific breakthrough which says that everyone in the world is connected by six degrees of separation. But it seems impossible to see it when millions and millions of people are interconnected. With this circumstance, people must always be cautious. Here’s a firm set of standards on how to use social networking sites safely while enjoying their pleasures:
- Evaluate your social networking account and postings. As they say, think before you click! Don’t post photos or text inclined into nudity or pornography.
- Do not post private information such as contact numbers or addresses where people may find you/ track you down. This can attract potential crimes (kidnapping or robbery).
- Utilize the “Privacy” settings to manage who has access to your personal information.