Navigating Social Networks Responsibly: Benefits and Risks

Understanding Social Networks: Benefits and Risks

Social networks are an innovative way to communicate with all kinds of people of different ages. Over the years, social networks have been growing and new ones have been created. This means that people have grown more reliant on the internet, and it has caused these platforms to evolve and become international, like Facebook, which is one of the major social networks in the world.

During these years, social networks have made many people become accustomed to relating or directly having their entire social life on them. This means that some people may live primarily on the internet, which can cause them to separate from friends, work, family, etc.

Often, we associate misused social networks with teens, but more than half of users involved in deceptions are older. This highlights that not only young people use social networks. In conclusion, all people, whether older, middle-aged, young, or of any age, must learn to use social networks responsibly.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Networks

Advantages:

• Reconnect with acquaintances.
• Share special moments with people close to our lives.
• Perfect for establishing connections with the professional world.
• Access updated information on topics of interest.
• Allow attending events and participating in activities and conferences.

Disadvantages:

• They are dangerous if privacy is not configured correctly.
• There can be cases of impersonation.
• Lack of data control.
• They can be used by criminals to gather information about their victims for crimes such as harassment, sexual abuse, kidnapping, human trafficking, etc.