Dangers Associated with Social Networking ✓ Solved

Social networking refers to the online platform where individuals connect with their families, friends, clients, and colleagues. The online platform allows people with the same mindset to communicate using websites and web-based application systems. Some of the social networking sites include Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Depending on the social networking platform chosen, members may connect by contacting one another. Through the online platform, people can get more worth in social media.

More people are getting familiar with online websites. Several limits are brought about by social marketing in the contemporary world. Online platform sites for children have become insecure since the website has gotten rid of the obstacle between the children's public and private self-making, being more vulnerable and subjection to dangerous consequences by sharing information via the website irresistibly. Moreover, children may obtain inappropriate content from social networking sites, which they're not psychologically prepared to deal with at their younger age. Likewise, teenagers may suffer from internet addiction as most teens spend more time online. Other children may be victims of cyberbullying, which may lead to suicidal behaviors.

Statistics indicate that more than 37% of teenagers between the age of 12 and 17 have been bullied using online platforms such as Facebook and Instagram (Oberst et al., 2017). Additionally, online websites create more loopholes for malicious people to acquire the personal information of many people. The rate of increasing fraud by hackers has increased at a higher rate due to scam messages or emails, which, when opened, allow hackers to access data on computers.

Any hacker who gets access to a loophole in the computer may easily retrieve the user's contacts. If, for instance, the user accesses social media platforms to comment on hotels and restaurants, the hacker may be able to access the computer used for browsing and shopping history. A social media hack allows malicious people to post any kind of information, which appears to come from the owner. This information may be embarrassing, offensive, and sensitive, causing discord among families or colleagues. Social media networks can also lead to significant time-wasting, especially when no work-related activities are carried out. Forbes reports that more than 89% of online users admit to wasting a considerable amount of time on social media during work hours (Forbes, 2020).

The wastage of time on these websites leads to the loss of productivity in many entities and organizations. Moreover, civil behavior is rapidly decreasing with the use of online platforms. There appears to be a growing trend of more uncivil behavior online, bleeding into public spaces. The negative aspects of the website are identified as "dividing the social fabric of how the community operates." More emotional and unregulated behavior is witnessed when everyone can respond to one another without any social restrictions in place.

Furthermore, internet addiction may have severe consequences, particularly for students who spend excessive amounts of time on social media platforms. Precious time may be lost as students spend time chatting with friends or engaging in games, leading to losses for companies. Teenagers may also develop negative vices such as the use of illicit drugs. The quality of conversation suffers as sincerity in expressing feelings is diminished on social media. Conversations conveyed online often include meaningless exclamations or acronyms rather than genuine emotional expression (Rottenberg & Winchell, 2011).

Fear of missing out (FOMO) is also prevalent among social media users. Online platforms tend to portray others' lives as more enjoyable, leading individuals to feel inferior. The notion that one might be missing out may deteriorate self-esteem, self-compassion, and trigger anxiety (Clark et al., 2018). The pressure to keep up with others creates an overwhelming need to constantly check updates on social media. FOMO is particularly evident in the age group between 18 and 33, with two-thirds of this demographic confessing to experiencing it.

Moreover, increased cases of depression and loneliness have been reported, primarily when users miss access to social media sites. Young teenagers, in particular, feel the pressure to compare their lives with the seemingly perfect lives portrayed online. This comparison often leads to feelings of inadequacy and further exacerbates mental health issues, as social media life appears more fulfilling than reality.

When using social media platforms, individuals should take full responsibility and exercise caution before joining. Members should be mindful of what they post to avoid harming others and maintain respect for other users. The online environment also fosters laziness, as communication becomes more convenient through messaging rather than face-to-face interactions. Spending excessive time on these platforms contributes to decreased physical activity, social disengagement, and increased stress.

In conclusion, social networking poses several risks that users must navigate carefully. Internet addiction, exposure of private information, fear of missing out, and the potential for increased depression and loneliness are significant dangers. Awareness and caution are essential for individuals engaging with social media, as the stakes continue to rise in our increasingly online world.

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References

• Clark, J. L., et al. (2018). Social Network Sites and Well-Being: The Role of Social Connections. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 27(1), 32–37. doi: 10.1177/.
• Forbes. (2020). Social Media Usage Statistics: Time Wasted. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/.
• Oberst, U., Wegmann, E., Stodt, B., Brand, M., & Chamarro, A. (2017). Negative consequences from heavy social networking in adolescents: The mediating role of fear of missing out. Journal of Adolescence, 55, 51-60.
• Rottenberg, A. T., & Winchell, D. H. (2011). Elements of Argument: A Text and Reader. Macmillan.
• Smith, A. (2019). The Impact of Social Media on the Mental Health of Young Adults. Journal of Mental Health, 28(5), 562-567.
• Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W. K. (2018). The Age of Anxiety: Social Media Use and Its Impact on Relationships. Psychological Science, 29(3), 237-243.
• Zimmerman, S. (2021). Disconnecting to Connect: Addressing Internet Addiction. Technology in Society, 64, 101-112.
• Glowacki, J. (2020). Cyberbullying: The New Norm? Psychology Today, 53(6), 40-45.
• Valkenburg, P. M., & Peter, J. (2011). Online Communication Among Adolescents: An Integrated Model of Its Attraction, User Behavior, and Psychological Effects. Journal of Adolescent Health, 48(1), 101-105.
• Huang, C. (2020). The Relationship between Social Media Use and Loneliness among Young Adults. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 11(1), 54-63.