Despite benefits, social – networking sites have a dark side. Because of the anonymity in virtual life users can take risks they may not otherwise take.
Risky behaviors associated with social – networking sites include unsafe disclosure of personal information addiction to internet, risky sexual behavior, cyber – bulling, exposure to dangerous communities and cyber threats.
Particularly
(1). Unsafe Disclosure of Personal Information –
Social networking sites are more dangerous than chat rooms because users share more identifying information and information placed on profiles maintains a level of permanency that is non – existent in chat rooms.
(2). Addiction to the sites –
Risks associated with increased Internet use range from interference with children’s academic s and other activities to an increased risk of solicitation online.
(3). Risky Sexual Behavior –
Often users post very suggestive pictures and provocative language on their profiles. Also there is a certain level of competition to add more friends in social networking sites.
(4). Cyber – Bullying – Cyber Threats –
According to National School Boards Association thirteen million children between the ages of six and seventeen have been cyber – bullied. The faceless nature of posts and comments contributes to a sense of anonymity that promotes sometimes inappropriate postings in comparison to face – to – face communications.
(5). Dangerous Communities –
Communities, groups on social networking sites while offering some benefits also can be dangerous.
(Part 2 of 3)
Elias Stoikos
Cofounder of oldtraffordbook.com
