Imagine using online interfaces where you are prone to identity theft and cyberbullying as well as cyberstalking. You may not know that whenever you are on social networking sites, you’re exposed to the danger of social networking. Yes, I agree that social networking has revolutionized the world in this digital era, making communication ever easier. According to ProCon.org, “Worldwide, people spent a daily average of 2 hours and 23 minutes on social media.” While people are online and communicating with people, they are putting themselves in the line of danger where criminals can steal their identity and can be victims of cyberbullying and cyberstalking. Social networking is beneficial in some ways however, there are always consequences for everything; thus, it should be carefully used, but not completely avoided. In my opinion, social networking has more dangers than pros . . . this includes cyberbullying and stalking as well as identity theft.
Social networking is perilous since it easily gives people the ability to carry out identity theft right in your backyard. Identity theft is when someone steal’s your individual identity and uses it to carry out criminal felonies often including fraudulent purchases. Identity thieves usually find your personal information through social media posts or other online communications. According to ProCon.org, “68% of social media users share their birth date publicly.” This shows many are vulnerable to identity thieves stealing your personal information and using it to commit crimes and make illegal purchases. Beware of what you post and remember to never post important things like your phone number, credit card information, address or your SSN (social security number).
As fun and rewarding as using social media and networking sites may be, many are still out in the open and at risk of cyberbullying. Cyberbullies have the ability to intimidate people who can be seen as weak and threaten them online. Along with this, they have a way of being anonymous when bullying others online. According to ProCon.org, “52% of students have reported being the victim of cyberbullying.” Cyberbullying affects students mainly middle school and their teen ages. According to a study conducted by the Center for Disease Control in 2019, “Reports of cyberbullying are highest among middle school students, followed by high school students, and then primary school students.” However, cyberbullies can be stopped! If you are experiencing cyberbullying or know someone else is being cyberbullied make sure to save the texts or messages being sent by the bully and tell a trusted adult like your parents or teachers as well as the police.
Cyberstalking continues to be an issue with the rise of usage in social media and social networking sites. Many people disagree that social networking doesn’t bring upon many dangers, especially amongst teens and kids. They believe that it is completely beneficial since it provides a digital communication platform to build friendships and relationships with others. According to ProCon.org, “81% of teens age 13 to 17 reported that social media makes them feel more connected to the people in their lives, and 68% said using it makes them feel supported in tough times.” These people think that social media facilitates bonding among friends and family. However, this is not completely true. Even when users of social media are having a great time and connecting with peers . . . they are always prone to cyberstalking. The risks of cyberbullying are so harmful that it can put friendships, careers, and relationships as well as your reputation at stake. It is vital to be mindful of what you post online and remember that unwanted users who are not even in your own social network can disrupt and start to stalk and this could lead to harmful consequences. According to a study by Harvard University, “In the United States, one out of every 12 women (8.2 million) and one out of every 45 men (2 million) have been stalked at some time in their lives.” This proves how there are many who are vulnerable to cyberstalking and you have the ability to stop them. If you are someone you know is experiencing cyberstalking . . . tell a trusted adult and remember to save the messages and text sent to you that fall under cyberstalking.
The perilous nature involved with the usage of social networking sites is a growing problem for teenagers. Whether it’s being a victim of cyberbullying and stalking or identity theft as well . . . The dangers of using social media are always in the air. This issue must be dealt seriously and cannot be ignored. It is not ethical and right to expose ourselves to the world via digital communication and be prone to attacks. Social networking sites should be used with extreme caution and we should all be mindful of the dangers that revolve around us.
Works Cited
"Social Networking - Pros & Cons - Procon.Org". Social Networking, 2020, https://socialnetworking.procon.org/. Accessed 24 June 2020.
"10 Social Media Addiction Statistics Of 2019 [Infographic]". Famemass, 2020, https://famemass.com/social-media-addiction-statistics/#:~:text=People%20Spend%20An%20Average%20of,the%20six%20most%20popular%20platforms. Accessed 24 June 2020.
WebStockReview. Network Clipart New Media 3007034. 2020, https://webstockreview.net/image/network-clipart-new-media/3007034.html. Accessed 24 June 2020.
"Cyberbullying". Pacer.Org, 2020, https://www.pacer.org/bullying/resources/cyberbullying/. Accessed 24 June 2020.
"Cyberstalking: A Growing Problem". Cyber.Harvard.Edu, 2020, https://cyber.harvard.edu/vaw00/cyberstalking_problem.html.
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