Social media is a world within a world, and for those who were born in the 21st Century, technology is only but a natural phenomenon. Cell phones, iPods and video games are practically inevitable for teens and young adults. Along with these technologies come social media networking, which is part of the daily routine for many. Social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and MySpace, Instagram and TikTok have millions of visitors daily.
Facebook alone has over 1 billion users, which makes it the most popular social network website on Earth. Research conducted by Facebook shows that 50 per cent of its users are active users, who log on daily and spend over two billion minutes per month on the site. There is no doubt that social media and social networking are here to stay; however, added to these ‘natural’ luxuries are risks and dangers.
While these sites’ open dialogue allows individuals to express themselves, there must be some amount of user censorship, not necessarily by the domain host, but rather by the individuals themselves. Creating a profile, and giving details about yourself, hobbies and educational background are all acceptable; however, for many, every aspect of their day, work and lives is posted. Like driving, the users of social media should be cognisant of the five Cs – caution, care, common sense, courtesy and consideration – as many of the things posted can arise in the future to haunt thrones.
Only recently, it was observed locally that a number of young people misuse the platform by posting about relationships, and jobs, and even in some cases they use it to bully others. Common sense – one of the 5 Cs – would inform that such information is personal and should not be posted on a social network, as such behaviours can stymie their personal growth.
In addition, recently, young adults and activists use the platforms to attack Government officials and the general public. While the information posted can cause harm to those who are being targeted, the account holders should, at some point in time, be held accountable.
These, however, come with consequences. Interestingly, many young persons do not take into account or acknowledge the dangers of such postings on social networking sites, since to them all the social sites seem innocent.
Only recently, the court dismissed a cybercrime charge against a man accused of cyber-bullying the Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mae Toussaint Jr. Thomas, on his WhatsApp status.
It was reported that Thomas had alleged that the man publicly humiliated and embarrassed her. But at the end of the trial, the court ruled that there was not sufficient evidence to convict the accused of any wrongdoing.
The questions now are: what are people to do when they are bullied on social media? Do they go to the Police, which would later see the charges being dismissed for want of evidence, despite it staring you in the eye?
Recent research has shown one of the greatest impacts of social networking is on the social skills of people. According to a BBC report, while, on the one hand, social networking sites seem to bring people together and connected; on the other hand, it creates social isolation. Research has shown that older generations of networkers learnt how to communicate and interact long before networking was even a thought, but many of the younger generations do not interact socially.
According to the report, social networking has created a serious breach in the ability of young people to communicate and interact with each other.
It is clear there is evidence suggesting that social networking can be risky to a dangerous extent, but it is an area that cannot be ignored, as it is the driving force of the world today. Like the many pleasures of life, social networking can be beneficial in moderation; however, unfortunately, moderation and the social media world do not coincide in society.
As such, all one can hope for is that young people have a deeper understanding and be conscious of what they are posting on social media, taking into consideration its impact today, tomorrow and years ahead.
