Social Networks' Incredible Facts

Online Social Networking like Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Linkedin, Netlog etc. have made an enormous impact on modern society. Beginning 1995, they entered an exciting period of development and growth. Some (in)credible facts about Social Networks:-

• Social Network users spend their spare time in customizing their profiles, posting status updates, responding to messages, or browsing other users' profiles without much problems.


• Some social network users have experienced much difficulty in protecting the privacy of their information online.


• Psycholgists opine that users who are addicted to social networking often prefer online to (than) face-to-face communication to avoid many potential pitfalls involved in direct personal contact.


• Some users have even the habit of visiting social networks while walking down the street, sitting in a theatre, eating in a restaurant or while attending a business meeting.


• Supporters of Social Networks claim that it is unfair to judge the value of Social Networks based on some users who overuse them. They highlight that online communication creates a sense of community for many people.


• Even when users change, remove or restrict access to their information on their profiles, it can sometimes and still be viewed by outsiders with advanced computer skills.


• As far as privacy issues are concerned, there is universal agreement that it exposes its users to certain risks involving privacy.


• An incredible fact is that some users have become the victims of hurtful or criminal activity such as cyber-bullying (harassment/humiliation/abuse) which has even led to commitment of suicide in 2006 by a 13 year old girl (a social network user) as she used to get cruel messages from a fellow user.


• You will even be surprised to know that some companies (job recruiters) use social network sites to evaluate potential new employees and have rejected their candidature due to objectionable content of their profiles in social networks. Such contents can also create problems for users (employees) after they have joined the company.


• Experts opine that work contacts and personal contacts should be kept separate to maintain a professional appearance with work contacts.

Tips To Stay Safe on Social Networks

  (i) Be as anonymous as possible. Use a fictitious screen name or a first name only rather than your full name.    (ii) Protect Personal Information. Avoid mentioning Home Address, Date of Birth, School Name or Financial Information.    (iii) Think twice before posting any Videos/Wall Photos. Avoid posting anything suggestive or demeaning.    (iv) Avoid in-person meetings. Contacts made on social networking sites may not be who they claim to be.    (v) Parents should always minotor their children's online activities with parent control Internet Security Software.