The Dark Side of Social Media Use

Social media sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, appeal to people of all ages and give them the chance to connect with others all around the world. However, there are many dangers that one must also be aware of when using social media.

Stolen Identities

Many people make a living off of stealing other peoples' identities through social media. For example, a Baltimore teenager received a notification from a Facebook game that if he gave them his social security number and filled out an application for a car loan, he would receive extra points. This ploy was actually a way for someone to steal his identity. Third party applications aren't controlled by Facebook, so it's very important to use strict privacy settings on all social media sites and not give away any personal information on social media.

Cyberbullying

With social media more popular than ever before, it has become a platform for bullying to take place. Psychologists believe that the anonymity of social media allows bullies to be more vicious and aggressive than they would in person. There have been more and more cases of teen suicides due to cyberbullying, so it is important to make sure that you are using social media for good rather than to hurt others.

Addiction

More and more cases of social media addiction are being seen in the world today. Users, especially teenagers, can have difficulty balancing social media with everyday life activities. They can forget that relationships online are very different than relationships in person. Parents can take steps to prevent their teenagers from becoming addicted to social media by limiting their time spent on social media and teaching them how to use it in an appropriate and time-efficient manner.

While social media sites only advertise the benefits of social media use, it is crucial to also educate the public about these possible harms of social media use. Awareness and education are some of the most important tools to preventing social media addiction, so spread the word of these dangers to friends and family!

For more information, make sure to check out:

Dangers of Social Networking Video Clip Collection. ABC News, 2010. Web. 8 Oct. 2013. 

        <http://digital.films.com.ezproxy.tcu.edu/PortalPlaylists.aspx?

        aid=15779&xtid=43505>.