The two faces of online social networking: Are we making the false moves?

Within the past couple of years, the World Wide Web saw a massive burst in online networking usage. Social networking has recently become a part of the online environment where people create profiles through which they express their individuality and connect with others who share similar interests. Due to the fact that social networking sites (SNSs) attract millions of users around the world, people do not use them solely for purposes such as passing time, renewing friendships or connecting distant people together in a more technological way. Instead, the online life witnessed the emergence of new methods that have been applied to boost overall development. Social networking paved the way for both the ed ucational and professional sectors to take a giant leap towards further advancement. However, many people underestimate online networking capabilities and counteract their positive influence with the negative one where shattered relationships and crime commitments are often mischievous consequences of SNSs misusage. Researchers identified addiction to SNSs as the pathway to perform sinful acts that could severely destroy peoples lives and affect their wellbeing and self-esteem. This essay will discuss some applications where SNSs are used to develop societies and reinforce different aspects of life, as well as demonstrate the destructive behaviors and actions that users adopt through unmonitored usage. Despite the fact that online networks, such as Facebook, play a major role in academic procrastination, the decline in academic performance and poor time-management (Kirschner & Karpinski 2010, p. 1243), students can use SNSs to interact within informal learning setting and build study-related knowledge exchange communities (Wodzicki, Schwmmlein & Moskaliuk 2010, p.9). An example of this would be the German website and Facebook equivalent, StudiVZ, which allows students of the same discipline to engage in discussions about their learning materials and seek help through online group formation (Wodzicki et al. 2010, p. 10). In addition, a number of disciplines were adapted to e-learning where SNSs are used as a n educational tool to teach subjects like arts and science (Wankel 2011). Nowadays, any style of learning has a percentage of engagement to the Internet, and it is realistic to claim that SNSs are successfully strengthening this aspect. Some people were able to cross the barrier in whether they want to use social media for personal or professional purposes. In a chapter in their book, Crompton & Sautter (2010, ch. 2) identify the benefits of social networking when it comes to business relations, such as career-search or advancement and targeting goals, employers and clients; as using SNSs for such purposes can

efficiently help boost work productivity. One of the crucial keys to succeed through SNSs in building a business, or marketing a product and so forth is to stick to the social networking protocol, which includes conducting oneself to the right attitude and treating fellow network members with respect as gaining trust from people one meets online is not easy (Crompton & Sautter 2010, pp. 75-76). Without a doubt, people engaged in professional applications online will still face difficulties such as ignorance of faxes and e-mails or indirect refusal to provide help (Tullier 2004, ch. 10). It is vital to keep in mind that SNSs are a virtual world on their own, so people should not expect that everything they fancy would come to existence. Yet, having the determination, desire and ability to overcome any challenges are critical steps towards success. In contrary, a majority of social networking users are sucked to the down side of social networking practice. It might be the fact that most people do not re-think what they are about to post, or they never mind its impact on others, such as their frie nds, partners, and/or employers which could lead to unintentionally destroying real-life relationships (Das & Sahoo 2011). Furthermore, Das & Sahoo (2011, p. 223) argue that any personal information published on SNSs is out of ones control in terms of its distribution; although privacy settings are controllable, the unknown administrator has the authority to view all published data. In addition, any profile created on SNSs is an open book for the world to read; therefore, wondering whether sharing a particular photo or status update with the world could negatively impact ones life is a must, and it would guide the person to selecting the more logical choice. When people spend quite so much time using SNSs, and never mind the fact that it is overtaking normal life functions such as eating, working, waking up, sleeping etc, it is quite clear that humanity is facing a new kind of addiction classified under Inter net addiction commonly known as Social Networking Site Addiction Disorder. According to the SNS addiction criteria, people become immersed in the virtual life and forget about the physical world around them (Das & Sahoo 2011, p. 225). Moreover, Echebura & de Corral (cited in Kuss & Griffiths 2011, p. 3538) claim that those people addicted to using SNSs experience symptoms similar to those experienced by people who suffer from substance or behavior addiction. A study reported a young adult female whose excessive SNS usage and the behavior she adopted significantly interfered with her life and cost her the loss of her job because she continuously checked her Facebook instead of working (Karaiskos et al. 2010). Studies also found that the frequency and tone of reactions people, especially adolescents, receive through SNSs are key factors that influence the social self-esteem and wellbeing (Valkenburg, Peter & Schouten 2006). In other words, positive feedbacks raise selfesteem and wellbeing, whereas negative feedbacks lower them.

It became apparent that with more technology and development the easier it is for criminals to execute their crimes due to the rapid transmission of information. Lately, SNSs came in handy and made crimes and ever-growing concern. Yet, the ones to blame are social networking users themselves for not performing self-monitored, logical actions. For instance, most users befriend strangers, publish their actions, reveal their locations, and unconsciously unveil their privacy without knowing who is monitoring them, therefore, contributing to standard crimes and existing ecrimes (Weir, Toolan & Smeed 2011, pp. 40-42). According to Das & Sahoo (2011, p. 226), the major problem is that there is no way to verify the actual identity of the criminals, and that is why ecrimes are of the most dangerous. In this case, being careful is of a high necessity as any detail posted on SNSs is a gateway for potential criminals to identify their ideal victims. In conclusion, balance needs to be found in every aspect of life. Using what technology developed is essential to keep up with the fast moving world as long as care is taken. Online networks can be of great benefit to keep in touch with friends and family, as well as to enhance both the educational and professional sectors. However, self-monitoring is that of paramount importance. It is beneficial to watch out and be aware that the feedback received through SNSs might alter the persons confidence and may imply negative physical influence. Lessons can be learned from many incidents over SNSs that made the news; some of these emphasis that thinking twice before publishing any information and reducing the personal details on SNSs are key points to eliminating e-crimes and insuring ones safety. It is vital to raise self-awareness and build a positive mentality to gain the most of what is out there. Even though the Internet has taken over and addiction to it has spread, it is essential to keep in mind that it is a virtual world where concern and insecurity exist to some extent; therefore, prevention is better than cure.

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