Having a social networking website can be beneficial in many ways. Some of the advantages include improved communication, learning, and connecting with other people. Some of the disadvantages include privacy issues, cybercrimes, and antisocial behavior.
Cybercrimes
Despite the increased popularity of social networking websites, cybercrimes on these websites are still on the rise. According to a report by the RSA Anti-Fraud Command Center, fraud attacks on social networking sites increased by 43 percent in 2018. The report outlines the types of cyber crime that have been plaguing social networks.
One of the most common forms of social media cyber crime is the illicit trading of personal data. These scams are usually accompanied by personal requests and attachments. Cybercriminals use personal information, such as names, addresses, and credit card numbers, to commit a wide variety of crimes.
Another type of crime is cyber bullying, which involves posting personal information in a public forum. This can include posting rumors or defaming someone on a public forum.
Privacy issues
Using social networking sites for networking can be a good thing, but can also lead to privacy issues. Privacy issues are a result of the large amounts of information that these sites process each day. The result is a trove of personal information that can be easily obtained by others.
This paper investigates the best ways to protect your privacy while using social networking sites. These methods include encrypting your data, using pseudonyms, and keeping your data safe from hackers.
The best way to avoid privacy violations is to stay on top of your social network settings. In particular, you should be aware of the “right to be forgotten” and the “right to be notified” features of your social networking account.
Another thing you should know is that your privacy can be breached without you even knowing it. If you don’t install anti-virus software or disable your microphone, you could find your personal information being harvested by a malicious hacker.
Improved student learning
Using social networking websites in university classes can be a good way to improve student learning. These sites can increase student engagement, improve communication skills, and enable students to learn more interactively. However, using these sites improperly can lead to bad results.
There are numerous websites that offer students with a wealth of information on various topics. These websites can also be used to share information on a wider scale, such as a livestream of an important event. Educators can also use these websites to send messages to students and answer their questions.
One study investigated the effects of using social networking sites in university courses. The study collected data from students aged 16-18 over six months. It was conducted by researchers from City University of Hong Kong and the University of Science & Technology of China.
Helps the elderly feel connected to society
Several studies have found that social networking websites help the elderly feel connected to society. By allowing them to interact with friends and family from different locations, social networks can help seniors maintain their social connections. This reduces loneliness and depression, and improves their physical and cognitive well-being.
In a study by the American Psychology Association, adults over 80 who used social networking sites to communicate with others were found to have better mental health than their peers who did not. This is in part due to the fact that social connections help reduce stress and anxiety. In addition, seniors who use social media are less likely to engage in unhealthy habits. They are also less likely to be obese, experience inflammation, and have high blood pressure.
The study also found that the use of digital media by older adults is a combination of face-to-face contacts and online interactions. This was especially true for the participants who were homebound. Some of them were comfortable with email, while others were willing to try out other digital media.
Promotes antisocial behavior
Using social networking sites to engage in a bit of online social networking isn’t bad, but it can be a bit antisocial if you are not careful. A good example of this is cyberbullying. One of the best ways to avoid such behavior is to have an antisocial filter in place. This can be done by having a list of friends you only allow to contact you through social networking sites. Also, if you have a job that requires you to work on the computer a lot, you may want to consider using a VPN (virtual private network) to keep your online business safe from prying eyes.
In fact, there is an entire industry dedicated to identifying people who are engaged in antisocial behaviors. This includes both legal and illegal activities. In the context of social networking sites, the more obvious culprits are the trolls and bullies. Luckily, these are easily spotted and removed from the equation.
