What is social networking?

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 benefits to social media and social networking?

• communication is free - the apps used to communicate and share information with others are free to download and free to use.

• make new friends - with people who have the same likes and interests

• build business connections - useful for promoting and marketing products and the business

• find a partner - with someone who has the same likes and interests

• access information, e.g. sport, entertainment - when and where these are happening

• share photographs easily - with family and friends who are interested in seeing the photographs and keeping in touch

• share information - information can be spread quickly using social media so if a fundraising event was happening or an event had to be cancelled, a lot of people can get that information quickly

• access news in real time - as some social media platforms will push breaking news through to the person's feed, so the person can see what is happening on the news at that time

• keeping in contact with friends and family who live in another country - as there is worldwide connectivity and people can share information and photos as a way of keeping in touch

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.

QUESTIONS YOU COULD BE ASKED ON THIS

Write down one benefit to a young person of using social media. (1mark)

Keeping in touch with friends and family.

Explain two benefits of using social media. (4marks)

One benefit of using social media is that it helps young people make new friends with others who share similar interests and hobbies. This can improve their social life and help them feel more connected.

Another benefit is that social media provides easy access to up-to-date information, such as news, sports, and entertainment. This allows young people to stay informed about current events and trends in real time.

Write down one disadvantage of using social media. (1mark)

People are not always who they say they are online.

You should also read:

Social Networking: The Benefits

Social Networking: The Disadvantages

How to deal with cyberbullying