Risks associated with Social – Networking Sites.

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