the two faces of online social networking

8/2/2019 The Two Faces of Online Social Networking

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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 aroundthe 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 educational 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 an 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


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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 friends, 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 ofones 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 Internet 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 self-

esteem and wellbeing, whereas negative feedbacks lower them.


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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 e-

crimes (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 e-

crimes 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 theirideal 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 mentalityto 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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the two faces of online social networking

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