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Social networking platforms such as Facebook offer both benefits and risks. Check out additional images of popular websites.
AP Photo/Paul SakumaFor those new to social networking, the online world can be overwhelming. With so many platforms to choose from, each with its own terms of service or user agreements, it can be hard to know where to start. Even experienced users may struggle to understand some of these agreements. At times, it may feel like you're giving up your privacy just to create a profile on a site. You might even wonder why you'd want to use such a platform when it seems like everyone else is on it.
We've taken it upon ourselves to break down the pros and cons of online social networking sites. Before diving deeper, it's important to note that there are several factors to consider before signing up. The good often outweighs the bad, especially if you approach these sites with caution. So let's begin by exploring the benefits of social networking platforms.
The Advantages of Social Networking
Undoubtedly, the greatest reason to join any social networking platform is the ability to connect with others. These sites allow you to stay updated on your friends' activities, and if the platform is widely used, you can reconnect with old friends and revive forgotten friendships.
These platforms also provide an opportunity for professional networking. Even if you're content in your current job, you could assist someone else. For example, if a friend mentions they need a carpenter, and you know the perfect candidate, a few messages could help both of them at once.
Many social networks like MySpace and Facebook offer easy ways to organize events and invite friends. Some platforms even let you group friends based on various criteria, such as location. So, if you're planning a group movie outing, you can notify local friends through a social network.
Are you an artist, musician, or writer? Social networking platforms can help promote your work. Many sites allow users to create special pages for bands or creative groups. You can keep fans updated on everything from new releases to upcoming performances, while also offering a chance for fans to interact with the artists they admire.
Many social networking platforms also serve as hubs for applications. You can find a wide variety of apps ranging from trivia games to restaurant reviews. On platforms like Facebook or MySpace, you can challenge friends to a trivia game, no matter how far apart you are in the world!
However, it's not all perfect. There are some disadvantages to social networking as well.
One fascinating aspect of social networking sites is how they reveal connections between friends you never knew were linked. You might find that people in different groups you belong to are actually connected. Your social network could expand rapidly, and you may start receiving more invites to social gatherings. That's certainly a perk of social networking!
The Drawbacks of Social Networking
Groups like Anonymous use social media platforms to coordinate real-world protests, such as this one against the Church of Scientology.
AP Photo/Chriss WeeksOne of the main risks of online social networking is that it makes identity theft more accessible. To set up a profile on these platforms, you must disclose some personal details. Many platforms let you control how much information you share, and some offer options to conceal details like your email or birthday, which could expose you to spam or identity theft.
The issue arises when you don’t share any information; your friends won’t be able to find you on the site, which defeats the purpose of social networking. On the other hand, oversharing can lead to someone impersonating you, potentially damaging your credit or accessing your personal data like email and financial information.
Another concern is the use of social media by scammers to deceive people into downloading harmful software (malware). A common tactic involves social engineering, where a scammer tricks you by sending a link supposedly leading to a funny video that you appear in. Once clicked, the link prompts you to install a video player that’s actually a virus or Trojan horse. Once your computer is infected, the scammer spreads the malware by using your friend list.
Social networking can quickly become overwhelming and addictive. If you join multiple platforms and add hundreds of friends, you’ll be bombarded with constant updates. It becomes hard to keep track of individual posts amidst all the noise, and you might find yourself checking for updates repeatedly throughout the day when you should be focusing on other tasks.
The positive aspects of social networking far outweigh the negatives. With a few mindful habits, you can minimize or avoid the drawbacks. Just make sure to approach it with caution and responsibility before you sign up!
