Riyaadh Morshed

Using Social Networking Sites: Positive or Negative?

Social networking sites are a major tool for communication in this technology-dependent world.

However, there are many other means of using social networking sites, such as business, promotion

and gathering insights. Some examples of major social networking websites are Facebook, Twitter,

Instagram. These websites are also being used in academic institutions in order to communicate with

teachers and students in order to assist each other, generate and express ideas and have discussions.

This is an example where it shows the use of social networking sites in many areas. The advantages

and the disadvantages of using social networking sites are discussed below.

As social networking sites are free and simple to access, it is widely used in a number of areas and has

advantages. The capability of creating a connection with people, regardless of their geographical

location, is the most important aspect of using a social networking website. The social networking

websites are the reason why many people have reunited with their high school friends and many

people can keep contact with friends and family who live in a different country. Furthermore, to keep

in contact, you do not need to rely on letters and telephones. Communicating is very easy nowadays

due to the use of the Internet and smartphones. Although most people use social networking sites for

communication and posting updates, there are other benefits of using social networking websites.

News providers have their own channel for posting live news updates and breaking news and some

providers will post live video updates of certain situations in order to keep the people updated.

On the other hand, the social networking sites being free and open to everyone, it is difficult to

understand the authenticity behind the certain content. This means that not all published content

may not be authentic and can be misleading. Therefore, only mainstream publishers are to be

followed. Furthermore, social networking website is a place where anyone can share anything, hence,

the information posted is vulnerable because not everyone is aware of the privacy options which are

available. Some sites also share the location of the content from where it was generated.

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 Riyaadh Morshed

If the privacy options are not adjusted, it can put the user at risk. The most debated disadvantage of

using social networking sites is cyber bullying. According to a study from the Indiana State University,

22% of college students are reported to have been harassed online on social networking websites.

Furthermore, using social networking websites promotes anti-social behaviour as this discourages

physical communication with people. This is a drawback for young adults because if they are not used

talking face-to-face, this is affecting their future encounter with a person. Usage of social networking

websites can also cause a distraction during any task. This task can lead to errors or even fatalities.

Using a mobile phone during driving can cause distractions and could lead to fatal results.

Even though using social networking websites have their advantages, it also has its share of

disadvantages. There is always a debate running on this topic but is not completely justified due to its

share of pros and cons. One can benefit from using social networking websites if used properly,

otherwise, the result will be concerning.

Reference

Lederer, K. (2012). Pros and Cons of Social Media in the Classroom. Campus Technology. [online]

Available at: https://campustechnology.com/articles/2012/01/19/pros-and-cons-of-social-

media-in-the-classroom.aspx [Accessed 11 Sep. 2017].