When sharing photos on sites like Facebook or Flickr, those photos can readily be stolen, manipulated, and used by anyone with access to them. Unwitting users might not understand how to set their security settings in each application, and savvy computer users may be able to override security settings anyway.
Another significant drawback with social networking sites is the way that they impact communication. Some users may find themselves conversing more online than with friends in person, which would only exacerbate social anxiety. Others might divulge too much personal information or reveal inappropriate content about themselves or another user. Social networking sites have the potential to harm as well as heal relationships.
Social networking sites can harm professional relationships or students at school. The individual might reveal information on Facebook that his or her boss can see online. That information could compromise that person's position in the workplace. Thus,...
Users can access their social networking sites using mobile devices, allowing easy communication when traveling. For sheer entertainment value, social networking is unbeatable. Users can upload videos and other multi-media content to share with friends. Social networking is as real as television or any other medium of communication. Users simply need to be aware of how to maximize the potential of social networking while maintaining privacy.
Works Cited
Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. "Social Networking." Accessed Feb 8, 2010 from http://www.priv.gc.ca/information/social/index_e.cfm
"Safer Internet Day' draws attention to dangers of social networking." Deutsche Welle. Feb 9, 2010. Accessed Feb 9, 2010 from http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,5230352,00.html
