The Functions and Misuses
of Social Networking
Technologists' Intentions for Social Networking
MSN (or the Microsoft Network) was released on August 24, 1995. It was originally created by Microsoft, not Bill Gates as some people believe. MSN is a collection of internet services which was a response to the increase in the growth of the internet and its usage. It allows people to communicate online and to keep in touch with people all around the world. Users are able to share files and photos with their contacts. When MSN was first introduced to the world people thought it was a joke. It is not until recent times that MSN has finally found its success. It now provides us with other services including MSN Messenger, MSN Spaces, MSN Music and Hotmail.
How Do People Abuse and Misuse Social Networking?
- Sometimes people pretend to be people that they are not and they deceive other social networkers.
- Gossiping, cyber bullying and malicious emails can occur on social networking sites, and can have a very destructive effect on the victim.
- Sometimes people can stalk you on these sites.
- Strangers might get access to information about family members and friends, which can endanger them.
- People become obsessed with these sites and spend all of their time on them which can cause health problems – both mental and physical.
- Criminals often look for valuable personal details that people leave on social networking sites which can lead to financial loss and a risk of personal safety.
A Common Example of Social Networking being Misused
You are a young teenage girl and you have recently accepted a young, good looking boy on your profile. You share personal information with this person and you become his friend. The person who you are social networking may not be the person you think they are. They could be an old man or a criminal who is waiting for you to divulge personal information which could lead to financial loss, or risk your personal safety.
Changes in Attitudes to Social Networking
Older generations' views have changed over time due to a number of reasons. Some of the reasons are positive while others are negative. Here are some reasons for changes in attitudes to social networking over time:
Positive:
- The older generation may realise that technology is the way of the future.
- They may feel encouraged to use social networking sites so that they can keep in touch with family and friends overseas.
- They can make new friends and meet new people without even having to go out.
- People may feel excited by how much technology has advanced so they want to learn how to use these new sites that are so readily available.
Negative:
- The older generation may feel unsafe and vulnerable, due to the large numbers of people who misuse social networking around the world.
- These people may not know how to use the sites or the technology that is required to use the sites as it has only relatively recently developed.
- They may feel discouraged by health problems such as Occupational Overuse Syndrome, and even addiction, that are associated with heavy computer use.
- People may prefer face-to-face interaction compared to online chat.
- Some people may feel that their privacy will be invaded if they join a social networking site.