Side-effects of social networking - Essay Example

Side-effects of social networking Introduction The contemporary world today is characterized by a complete use of the social media as a way of communication with the family of online friends. In the research conducted by numerous analysts and researchers, it is warranted to argue that social networking has profound effects on the user of the upcoming social networks, notable Facebook to Twitter. Since a great percentage of the users are seemingly addicted to social networks, it is of essence to analyze the various side- effects that result form an over use of the same. This essay shall focus on privacy concerns, health concerns as well as defamation as the three significant side effects of social networking. Privacy concerns In the argument by Ruff, it is evident that social media has been faced with numerous privacy concerns (54). Depending on the social network in use, privacy concerns differ from one site to the next. In the case of Facebook, it is obvious that the name of the user and other personal information is relieved to other persons using the same site, under the profile section (Ruff 93). However, other persons may not reveal their original identity; thus, making it difficult to assess the original user of the site (Houghton 132). In the event that persons reveal their original information, a lot of privacy concerns come up like user victimization, especially among the adolescent teens who have been indicated to sexually harass other users (Ruff 19). Though the level of harassment depends on the level of interaction with each other, Ruff indicates that cases of hacked accounts are not alien and naked pictures of users posted on the internet (94). Additionally a lot of people complain of being stalked by other whilst online, and are wary of the fact that their privacy may be infringed (Ruff 94). On the other hand, other persons become famous for no good reason. Persons have been seen to create Facebook pages that end up having huge followings, but in the real sense, the makers of the page are simply out for fame (Ruff 93). In the long run, personal information of the followers of their page may leak online, infringing on the privacy of such persons despite their need to enjoy the services of the social network. Despite the response by various social networks on the criticism of their privacy setting, the site claim that they have a privacy security setting that allows for persons to secure their pages (Ruff 94). Ruff continues to argue that the reality is security is not present in the case of the social media (29). Ruff emphasizes that it is criminal offence to invade the privacy of others (34) and insists that all persons who attempt to hack other people’s accounts must be reported as they are offenders, and this is also a way of mobilizing persons towards championing for cyber security (19). It is justified to conclude that privacy has become a great issue when it comes to social networking. Defamation and social media Defamation is yet another serious side effect of social media. De Vos indicates the social media has a way of bringing out the worst in persons (1). In the event that persons do not weigh what they say and post on Facebook and Twitter, it is almost obvious that there will be an online community of hate mongers, irresponsible gossips, who if the case goes extreme, there is a likelihood that the same persons will be summoned in court to answer allegations of hate speech and disturbance (De Vos 1). Wilkins & Christians argue that in the ethics of global communication, it is important to assess issues of cyber spam, defamation and deception (65). This will result to a solid basis of global cultural values that govern their manner in which people relate to one another; thus, professional communication, social responsibility, free expression and accountability (Wilkins & Christians 65). De Vos says that the cyberspace has become chaotic, as persons for instance on Twitter have been posting statements that tarnish the names of others, government institutions, and yet the persons posting the tweets are under hush tags that do not bear their real names (1). This is to mean that defamation is existent as a lot of information that is posted is not regulated, and has caused a lot of deceptive perceptions on other people. De Vos indicates that the defamation law must be in existent to protect the interests of all persons in terms of safeguarding their reputation, but the same is not functional in terms of social networking (1). A lot of social network users have in numerous occasions had their self esteem lowered and are still waiting for justice to take place. The process of convincing the courts that the statements made were inflammatory is long and tedious, as the complainant has to prove the statements were intentional and illegal (1). This may render the public deal with the circumstances at hand, probably by avoiding the social network sites. In a democratic country, De Vos argues that the case may be worse especially if the court focuses on the concept of democracy and the provision of free speech and expression in such societies (1). Health side-effects of social networking In terms of health, social networking has also had profound effects on the users. Viswanath, Glanz & Rimer indicate that social networks influence the health and well being of the users in terms of a malfunctioned social support (207). Studies indicate that persons who have a healthy social life live longer and stable lifestyles as opposed to one who do not have stable social lifestyles (Viswanath, Glanz & Rimer 207). An interpretation of the over use of the social media networks has resulted to a lot of individual leading abnormal lifestyles, leading to health protective effects of social networks (Viswanath, Glanz & Rimer 207). This research is strongly backed up by Copeland who says that postings on Facebook are a clear disconnect from reality, but in the real sense happy photos posted on Facebook clearly indicate the misspoken words of the cruel reality in the lives of many users of these sites (1). Over-indulgence in these sites has been linked to depression , as a lot of children are not able to maintain physical ties with their ‘physical friends’ and most end up relying on Facebook fro their social life. Facebook also works in tandem with sexting, cyber bullying which parents can barely intervene as some may not be conversant with the novel ‘online life’ (Mackey 1). In the event that persons feel their friends are doing better in their Facebook postings, some end up afraid of their ability to succeed, and jealousy is magnified between these users (Mackey 1). Children who lead a successful life can arguably be indicated to be the ones that led a balanced life ad not ones that spend 90% of their time online and 10% doing a combination of schoolwork and other activities. Facebook and other sites has caused unbalanced lifestyles for a lot of teenagers who seek attention and affection online (Mackey 1). In terms of health, Mackey indicates that the brain is subjected to the outside world whilst young, and that a lot of images are posted on the minds of young individuals (1). In this case, the brain operates on abnormal timescales; thus, creating maladapted individuals. In the long run the online users may end up being stressed and depresses, especially if they realize they have been leading a fantasy life. Social networks are indeed death sentences as the brain and body are completely overworked to network on the computer screens (Mackey 1). Conclusion Indeed, social networking has profound effects on its growing users. As seen in the above compilation, social networking has had effects on the privacy of the users, the health wellbeing of the users, as well as defamation. It is of essence that the users uphold professionalism and utmost integrity in the quest of using such social networking sites. Works cited Copeland, Libby. ‘The Anti-Social Network. By helping other people look happy, Facebook is making us sad’. Slate, Jan. 26, 2011. Web. 15th April, 2013. De Vos, Pierre. ‘Defamation and social media: We have moved on from Jane Austen.’ Constitutionally Speaking, Feb 27th, 2013. Web. 15th April, 2013. Houghton, Robin. Blogging for Creatives: How Designers, Artists, Crafters and Writers Can Blog to Make Contacts, Win Business and Build Success. NY: HOW Books, 2012. Print. Mackey, Robert. ‘The Health Effects of Social Networking’. The New York Times, February 24, 2009. Web. 15th April, 2013. Ruff, Lori. #Privacy Tweet Book01: Addressing Privacy Concerns in the Day of Social Media. NY: Happy About, 2010.Print. Viswanath, Glanz, K. & Rimer, Barbara. Health Behavior and Health Education: Theory, Research, and Practice. NY: John Wiley & Sons, 2008.Print. Wilkins, Lee & Christians, Clifford. The Handbook of Mass Media Ethics. London: Routledge. Print. Read More