The Pros And Cons Of Social Networking

Social Networks can have both positive and negative effects and even

propose dangers for some. In this article, we will look at social networking

pros and cons and will let you, the reader decide if social networking is right

for you. With the creation of so many social “holes” on the net, someone

who is new can easily get lost in all of the social chatter.

Social Networking – The Pros

If you are a business man or woman, signing up to social networking sites

will easily allow you to make connections with other like-minded individuals.

An added advantage for those who social network is the fact that they are

able to keep abreast of the latest trends whether it pertains to social or

business circles. (9 Simple Secrets You Should Know Before Opening A Small

Business)

For professionals, a wide range of opportunity exist when you meet new

people. Many times, just meeting the right person can help take your

business or career to a whole new level. One that would be hard to obtain

without this particular connection. In addition, if you are a musician, writer,

or actor, social networking can be used to promote your abilities. Today,

many sites allow you to create special web-pages that feature your band,

writings, and acting. Having your very own social networking site will allow

you to keep your fans up-to-date on what you are currently doing as well as

letting them know the next time that you will be performing. For actors,

writers and musicians, social networking technology has allowed extra

exposure that would not otherwise have existed outside social networking

sites.

Social networking can definitely get the word out fast about anything. If you

have a lot of followers, then it takes just a couple of minutes to notify

thousands of people about your status. An example of this is James Karl

Buck, who is a graduate student in United States that happened to be

travelling in Egypt during their anti-government protests. He was arrested

and detained in Egypt. Prior to being sentenced, he sent out a tweet from

twitter to those who knew him and let them know he was in trouble. This

began a quick process that led to his quick release.

Social networking is also a great tool for those who are in the investigative

fields such as private detectives and the local police. However, social

networking also has it cons that many should be aware of.

Social Networking – The Cons

Although Social networking has many positive characteristics, it is also

subject to be an outlet for both addictive and obsessive behaviours that are

common among criminals. Sometimes, quick interactions and connections

with people can allow you to connect with the wrong person who does not

have your best interest at hand. Aside from this, social networking may also

curb a person’s ability to socialize and communicate effectively in the

real-world. In a recent study by Homenet, researchers found that there is a

relationship between increased Internet and social networking use and the

prevalence of depression.

Teens have also been subject to the negative aspects of social networking.

Online bullying has become popular and some individuals have even taken

their lives as a response to the negative effects of gossip and bullying in the

Internet space. For parents, social networking provides a teenager with an

enhanced ability to find out about parties in a moments notice. This

translates into problems such as rebellion, under-age drinking and drug use.

In addition, the Internet space and social networking sites are full of

convicted felons and other criminals. Detectives have entire units dedicated

to protecting under-age children from pedophiles that lurk online.

Again, as a professional, you may be more on the pro side of the social

networking pros and cons.

But as a parent, having your 14 or 15-year-old child easily connect with

adults that do not have their best interest can become a frightening

experience. This is why he that there are many services that can help parents

monitor their children’s activities while they are online. Again, as technology

begins to improve online, there were always be a few bad apples that can

make it dangerous for the rest.

The key is use social networking responsibly and if you have children, make

sure that they are monitored for their safety.

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