Dark Side of Social Network

The world has been changed rapidly by the evolution of technology; this has resulted into the use of technology as the best medium to explore the wide area of knowledge. The evolution of internet technology has led to its use as a form of communication. Whereby, two-third of the world’s internet population visits social networking or blogging sites, thus serving as a communication and connection tool. Social networking sites (SNSs) are online communities of Internet users who want to communicate with other users about areas of mutual interest, whether from a personal, business or academic perspective. The Internet is constantly changing the way people interact, communicate, conduct business, and seek jobs, find partners, and shop (Clark & Roberts, 2010). Social Network Sites are very popular because of its benefits especially in the field of communication. It helps us to keep in touch with our friends, classmates and relatives but they also allow us to communicate with other people who share common interests with us. . Networking sites were designed allow you to be yourself, however is it really so. Employers are using these same social networks as a source to gain background information on job applicants as well as current employees. Since the outbreak of social networks there have been many changes to take place in the lives of our children, and the impact is not always good. Social networks plays a major role in our day to day life and the life’s of our children. Social networks were built for people to build meaningful relationships both personal and professional. Networking sites are a meant to bring you new opportunities, responsive followers and lifelong friends. The intention of this report is to provide an informative overview about the potential harm of social networking in today’s society. Social networking has taken over and dominated every area of our life and can negatively impact our life. Our personal life is being evaluated by our professional life, with employers using social network to research a person’s background. Many employers do not have policies in place to govern when and how to ensure the information obtained is accurate. As a result of this, two negative consequences can arise when employers view information online that they view as inappropriate or unacceptable. Employers have the opportunity to not to hire the job applicant or the current employee can be terminated. Even though employers may have a legal right to use social networks in this way, is it seen as wrong for employers to do this unless the information obtained in this manner is essential to the job? The Social Responsibility Theory directs employers to conduct online background checks only when there is a business necessity due to so. We have a legal, natural, and fundamental right to privacy which is defined as "freedom from unauthorized intrusion". Many may feel as if their right to privacy is violated if a supervisor uses any information from my personal social networks against them. The UK formed the Human Rights Act of 1998 which provides a person with the right to have ones private life respected. Employees can demand to have this right exercised. It is good for society to maintain boundaries between one's work and personal life. As long as my personal choices or personal life do not affect my job performance or job productivity in a negative manner then there is no reason for invading my personal space. Invasions of privacy are wrong because "they are invasions of liberty as individuals to do as we will, and they undercut individuality and create a society of conventional, mediocre person" (Clark & Roberts, 2010). Cyberbullying the use of electronic communication to bully a person, typically by sending messages of an intimidating or threatening nature. This is a major downside to social networks, and one of the many disadvantages that comes along with the right to privacy. Cyber bullying has played a major role in why many children have chosen to end their lives. Social networking is not safe as it does not protect children, teenagers and adults and they are used and abused through cyberbullying, fake profiles and sexual harassment. Cyberbullying is the use of cell phones, instant messaging, e-mail, chat rooms or social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter to harass, threaten or intimidate someone. In some cases, cyber bullying can be put to an end from the very beginning if the victim puts a stop to it themselves or by telling a superior. The sad part is that some children get affected by this and end up killing each other and committing suicide due to cyberbullying. "Forty-three percent of teens have been victims of social networking" (Harris Interactive Cyberbullying Research Report, 2006) and shockingly enough "almost 80 percent of teens said that they either did not have parental rules about internet use or found ways around the rules"(Harris Interactive Cyberbullying Research Report, 2006). I know that the creators of these social networks did not have this in mind when they developed these awesome programs that were to serve as an outlet to seek, find and rebuild meaningful relationships. Social networking has an enormous impact on today’s society. Many believe that social networking is beneficial, others don’t. Having the opportunity to investigate more into social networking brought up to my attention that it can be very beneficial as long as we can control the web and the web doesn’t control us. The power of social networking is very capable of putting companies on top of the list, or leaving people out in the streets without a job. The ability of shorten distances between families and friends has been the number one use of social networking, unfortunately many individuals take advantage of social networking and start persecuting innocent people and creating harm to society. The benefits provided by social networking have made society and individuals become more productive and updated with today’s world technology. It’s a magnificent tool with a lot of good outcomes, a tool that in some cases is very costly for the wellness of society.