Headlines
The Review Online
Social Networking: A Risky Business
15th March 2010
Recently there have been many news stories concerning the over use of social networking sites, to promote fascist groups, to prey on vulnerable children and also to encourage obesity.
Networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, are popular with adults as well as teenagers the world over. Many people are claiming that these websites have huge down sides which need to be addressed immediately. It seems that as social network’s popularity grows, so does the potential for its misuse.
Several Facebook groups can be found which seem to be ‘promoting’ the British National Party. Although no official link can be found between the party and the groups, Facebook looks to have done little to stop people expressing their sometimes very harsh opinions about the BNP and its beliefs. One group’s description is “kick immigrants out”, and, although people have a right to express their views, many of the comments could be seen as offensive. It seems unfair that people might come across information like this whilst communicating with friends or simply playing games on Facebook.
At the end of last year, social networking sites were also being criticised for not doing enough to help users who think they are being stalked or bullied by other members. Bebo, another social networking site, now displays a button which allows people to report any worries about users. This button is linked to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (Ceop) which deals with thousands of problems a month on websites. Facebook and other social networking sites are yet to adopt this button, claiming that their privacy policies are enough to protect their members. Yet, Jim Gamble from Ceop says: “I can see no reason why sites like Facebook would not consider adopting the same approach [as Bebo] and would encourage them to embed the Ceop Report button for the benefit of all users”.
As an increasing proportion of the public use social networking sites, not just to communicate but to play games and share photos, it seems that many people are becoming ‘addicted’ to Facebook. With some users spending anything up to 24 hours a day on the sites, it is becoming more likely that social networking sites (as well as other computer based resources) could be affecting the obesity levels in the UK. If more time is spent on the internet then it is likely that less time is spent playing or exercising enough to lead a healthy and balanced lifestyle. It could be a valid explanation for the recent rise in the number of obese people, especially children. Some people begin to suggest that there should be a limit on the amount of time children should be allowed to spend on social networking sites, but it seems this problem also involves adults.
But it doesn’t seem fair that all of us who simply use social networking as an opportunity to speak to friends and relatives should have to live without. It has been proven that sites such as Facebook as well as instant messaging can improve the social abilities of shy or self aware people. Social networking is a new piece of technology that we should be able to use to our advantage.