Social networking: The Disadvantages

Social networking is the communication and sharing of information and interaction with others using the internet and social media.

What is social media?

Social media is a collection of apps that allows users to create and share information about themselves online. The most popular networking sites and apps include:

• Facebook

• Twitter

• Pinterest

• Whatsapp

• Instagram

• Snapchat

What are the disadvantages to social media and social networking?

• A person may have their identity stolen online and can spread false information. This could cause a lot of damage to the people or business whose identity has been stolen.

• People are not always who they say they are online and may pretend to be someone they are not. For example they may pretend to be older/younger and live in a place that is different from where they actually live.

• Bad or offensive comments can be posted online and a person may become a victim of cyber bullying where a young person may feel intimidated. This may lead to depression and even suicide.

• A social networking site is accessible to everyone and a person can remain online for a long time even after they stop using it.

• Information on social networking sites may be used by prospective employers to make judgements about your character/personality and suitability for the job.

• Young people may spend a lot of time on social networking sites and may become addicted to communicating online, posting images or videos of themselves, hoping always to get as many likes as possible.

• A young person may find themselves in a situation where they don’t want to interact face to face with other people and lose appropriate social skills for dealing with someone face to face.

Check out the CCEA GCSE Learning for Life and Work Second Edition Textbook to find out more or check out: My Revision Notes: CCEA GCSE Learning for Life and Work: Second Edition

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.