As we
continue this blog on the internet of things, I would like to reference my
previous blog before we get started. In my previous blog we discussed the pros
Social networks. As we concluded I mentioned there would be a part two, and in
part two we would discuss the cons of Social networks. With great pleasure I
say that time is now. So, lets get started with a few downsides to social
networks.
One
big con in my opinion on social networks is privacy issues. We are normally
required to give some personal information when creating accounts. Information
like Address, phone number, birthday etc. While doing some research I read an
article from bbcNews.com. This article was published in 2016 however, it speaks
volumes in stating there was a 57% increase in identity theft via social
networks in the UK alone. This has been considered a crime of opportunity due
to the growing privacy issues. There are numerous reasons for this issue but
one reason that stands out is the amount of information the social networks
request and the additional information we provide. For example, I know a lot of
users who tag their location when out and post documents like receipts on
social networks. So, with all that information being given out I hope you can
see why it’s a crime of opportunity.
Another big con would be cyber bullying. While some may think its
nothing compared to physical bullying, they would be wrong. Cyber bullying has
clearly become a new age form of bullying created in large part by social
networks. This gives individuals an outlet to bring other people down without
revealing themselves at times or with the support of other followers due to
popularity. This has been a constant topic when it comes to social networks.
They have created hotlines, websites, etc. to help prevent or assist with cyber
bullying incidents. If my words aren’t enough, try taking a look at this
snapshot.
 |
| Cyber bullying/Victimization |
This is a snapshot
of statistics from 2016 taken by cyber bullying research center. In this study
they polled 5,700 students age range 12-17 yrs old in middle or high school of
whom almost all reported some sort of cyber bullying/victimization incident.
This sample should give you an idea of just how big of a deal this issue is.
Not to mention the long term effects it has on the kids involved. So just be
mindful to not type things you wouldn’t feel comfortable saying in person.
That’s a start but where it ends is a topic for another day.
The purpose of this blog was to shed some light on a couple of cons of social networking. Its so many more cons to discuss but these were two big cons that I had time to cover during this blog. However, feel free to list other cons in the comment section that you may feel strongly about there is no right or wrong response. I would like to thank you for taking the time to read the blog hope you enjoyed and took something from it. Until next time!
Sources:
Patchin, J. W. &
Hinduja, S. (forthcoming). Digital Self-Harm Among Adolescents. Forthcoming in
the Journal of Adolescent Health.
Get Safe Online Team
https://www.getsafeonline.org/about-us/
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