Privacy and Social Media - Assignment Example

The original intention of social media was an opportunity to open the internet for communication, sharing pictures, and relating with friends and family in new technological ways. However, although, it has many positive elements, there are a few aspects that can be extremely negative as well. Privacy has, for the most part, been completely compromised. Even with privacy settings it is still possible for your personal information to end up on the internet. Today, what you say, when you say it, and where you were when you were saying it can be seen.

Once something is on the internet it is on the internet forever somewhere floating around in cyberspace. Social networks can provide many opportunities for self expression, however, it, also, leaves opportunity for the others to criticize the things that you have expressed. This is when schools and families discover some of the repercussions of social networks. Cyber-bullying is a current, serious, issue which crosses the boundaries of school life and home life. The bullies have continuous access to their victims and their victims have less ability to escape their bullies.

Also, teachers, often, struggle with awkward situations of privacy. The things that they post personally can affect how they are perceived professionally.(Anderson, 2010) Lastly, law enforcement is effected by social media and its popularity with the young and unaware; internet sexual predators being the greatest threat. The visual anonymity of social networks and the ability to present oneself as someone other than who they are, can make it easier for predators to stalk and interact with their prey.

(Findlay, 2011) Ultimately the outlet of social networks can be positive interchanges It offers people the chance to stay in contact with loved ones who are far away, share their talents, exchange ideas, and find like-minded thinkers, but nothing is perfect. Being wise about what you choose to share is the key. Remember that not everyone who reads about you has your best interests at heart.ReferencesFindlay, T. (2011, April 24). Social networks effect an adolescent privacy, is there call for concern?. Retrieved from http://networkconference.

netstudies.org/2011/04/social-networks-effect-on-adolescent-privacy-is-there-a-call-for-concern/Anderson, K. (2010, May 10). Is facebook eroding privacy? or does social media require us to lower our expectations?. Retrieved from http://scholarlykitchen.sspnet.org/2010/05/10/is-facebook-eroding-privacy-or-does-social-media-require-us-to-lower-our-expectations/