Mis-use of social networking sites:
What is the current situation regarding your chosen issue?
Currently there is a large increase in the mis-use of social networking for bullying, spreading extremism, abuse and spreading indecent images. For example, since 2009 the Metropolitan police have investigated 75 officers for potentially misusing Facebook and other social networks. Furthermore, over the last year more than 51 council workers were suspended for misuse of social media. This was due to issues such as posting racist comments. Another example is the rise in online grooming. Douglas Windsell from South West London has be sentenced to three years in jail due to online grooming and stalking of children via social media which lead to attempted abduction.
How did it get this way?
This has become a major problem due to advancements of technology and social media websites.
Personal information and personal pictures are easily shared and published to the world within a click of a button which leads to the different issues surrounding the misuse of social networking. Strangers can gather too much information about someone without even knowing the person, which links to the issue of online grooming and abduction. Private, indecent images can easily be spread over social media within seconds. Social networking websites have become too open and are no longer safe to use, especially for the younger age group who are targeted online as they are much more vulnerable.
What is your informed opinion about the issue?
Personally, I believe that the misuse of social networking sites is becoming a huge problem within society especially among the younger age group. Younger people are becoming victims of online grooming and cyber bullying, aswell as the spreading of indecent images. These issues all have a large effect on the victim therefore I believe social networking needs to somehow be made more private as there are always going to be people misusing it. Children should also be made aware of how to avoid getting into a bad situation online and know how to report it instantly.
What do you foresee happening in the future?
As technology and social media advances over time, I believe that in the future social networking sites are only going to become more and more open therefore the issue of the misuse of social networking will remain and maybe even increase,
Really well expressed Marnie, with some terrific knowledge and informed opinions about this issue.
ReplyDeleteWWW- I think your use of an example in the opening paragraph is excellent and shows that you did some really good research.
EBI- you have really well addressed the issue and written excellently about it, but by way of demonstrating your knowledge further, can you counter argue the misuse of social media by explaining its benefits and positives?
Show me- reply to this post and outline the positives which need to be taken into account to fully appreciate the situation in respect of social media.
Positives of social media:
ReplyDelete1) Socialise with family and friends.
2) Stay in contact with family/friends who may live in a different country.
3) Advertisements.
4) Encourage growth of businesses.