Side-effects of social networking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Side-effects of social networking - Essay Example 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. 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 u ser 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