Social Networking:The Hidden Dangers

It seems that every ten-year-old kid you see has a mobile phone, some sort of iPod and an account on a social network. The question is why?

At first it seems that a social networking site is great fun, you can play games and chat with your friends to your heart’s content. It makes it 100 times more easier to have a chat with that aunt that lives across the country, or that friend on holiday But as you grow older the point of a social networking site changes dramatically, what you thought was fun and harmless can become like hell.

Social networking sites can be dangerous in many ways; but it’s all hidden. What you might think is a harmful comment may, in extreme circumstances, lead to someone’s death. Or what you thought was a harmful picture of yourself might lead to rape. Or what you thought might be a fun way to make new friends by posting your address or phone number might lead to murder.

Many people are much more comfortable by saying an offensive comment to someone via the computer because they can’t see how much pain the receiver is in, so they don’t feel bad about it. Attitudes like this can eventually lead to suicide, like presented in the film ‘Cyberbully’.

And to make matters worse, many comments are done in secret, which means the bully can never be found, unlike in a playground where it is blatantly obvious.

We asked an acquaintance their views on this particular topic:

What are your views on social networking sites?

I think the sites can be dangerous. A lot of the time they cause more hassle than their worth. But I am fond of them; they make it easier to connect with people. And honestly I think I wouldn’t even be here without them. I am able to express myself; they help a lot of people like that.

Why do you think such young kids are eager to join up?

Kids want to be older. They see young adults using these sites and want to be like them. They want to be a part of the latest craze.

Everyone knows that it can cause a lot of stress to anyone, what do you think can be done to help?

I definitely think that there needs to be tighter restrictions on social networking sites. People can get away with too much.

We believe you own your own tumblr account which enables people to express their thoughts and troubles so they can get help, can you tell us a little bit about that?

Spark will one day return but as for the moment I just don’t have the resources to keep running it. Through tumblr I've found that so many young people rely on the internet to express and release their emotions in a healthy manner. Tumblr’s amazing for that. People really listen. In a sense that website saves lives and that’s an amazing thing. 

So in future, think twice before you join the newest social network on the web.

If you think anyone one is a victim of cyber-bullying try to help them because it’s a difficult road to go down.