Social networking sites are platforms where people can connect, socialise, learn and entertain. These platforms are now a part of the modern world. The first social networking site was SixDegrees, launched in 1997. Today, there are 4 billion users on social networking sites, such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Whatsapp, etc.
However, social networking sites have given rise to cybercrimes and online frauds, to which youngsters have fallen victim. Recently, Mark Zuckerburg, the CEO of Meta, was slammed by the New Mexico District Attorney for failing to protect children from sexual predators on Facebook and Instagram.
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Founder – Mark Zuckerberg Year – 2004 Type – Social Media and Social Networking Platform Headquarter – Menlo Park, California Monthly Active Users – 2.94 billion Written in – C++, PHP and Hack |
YouTube
Founder – Steve Chan and Chad Hurley Year – 2005 Type – Online Video Sharing and Social Networking Site Headquarter – San Bruno, California Monthly Active Users – 2.51 billion Written in – Python, C++, Java, Go |
Founder – Kevin Systrom Year – 2010 Type – Photo and Video Sharing Social Networking Service Headquarter – Menlo Park, California Monthly Active Users – 2.4 billion Written in – Java and Kotlin |
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Positive Effects
- Social networking sites help us connect with our loved ones and distant friends.
- Social networking sites valuable sources of information and keep us updated on the latest trends.
- Social networking sites can also used for educational purposes. These platforms contain educational content, discussions, and resources that support learning and skill development.
- Platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook help businesses and individuals in networking, job searching, and career development.
- Social networking sites allow for real-time communication through features such as instant messaging, video calls, and live streaming.
Negative Effects
- Social networking sites are like addiction. They are designed to be engaging and use algorithms to keep users hooked. Once you start scrolling, you are presented with a constant stream of information, and notifications, and this desire for social validation can create addictive behaviours.
- Social networking sites have given birth to cybercrimes like cyberbullying, sexual harassment, hacking, malware and ransomware, spoofing, etc.
- Constant exposure to idealised representations of other’s lives on social media results in low self-esteem as we try to compare ourselves with others.
- The personal information users share on social networking sites raises concerns about privacy breaches and data misuse by hackers or third parties.
- Excessive use of social networking sites leads to time wastage and decreased productivity. Because of this, we are not able to focus on real-world tasks.
- Excessive use of social media also affects our mental health, as it results in anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances.
- Not everything we see on social networking sites is true. Social networking sites are a breeding ground for fake news, misinformation and rumours.
- Studies have shown that there is a strong link between excessive use of social networking sites and our health.
- Staying late on social sites and constantly looking at computers or mobile devices results in weakened eyesight and headaches.
- Prioritising online interactions over face-to-face relationships can result in social isolation.
- Falling victim to cyber crimes can result in stress, anxiety and other mental issues.
- Addictive behaviour towards social networking sites can result in sleeping disturbance and mood swings.
- Social networking sites can contribute to the fear of missing out (FOMO). It can lead to feelings of anxiety or dissatisfaction with our own lives.
- One of the best advantages of not using social networking sites is that your data is secured. Your private information is private.
- Not using social networking can alleviate comparison, fear of missing out (FOMO), and the pressure to curate a perfect online persona.
- Without the constant distraction of social media, we will be able to build meaningful relationships.
- Continuous scrolling on social networking sites results in time wastage. We can save a lot of our precious time and indulge in quality work.
- Reducing social media presence can lead to improvements in mental health, including reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and loneliness.
- Avoiding social sites and cell phones at night can result in better sleep quality.
FAQs
Ans: Social networking sites are platforms where people can connect, socialise, learn and entertain. Social networking sites help us connect with our loved ones and distant friends, can keep us updated on the latest trends and can also used for educational purposes. However, social networking sites are like addiction. They are designed to be engaging and use algorithms to keep users hooked. Once you start scrolling, you are presented with a constant stream of information, and notifications, and this desire for social validation can create addictive behaviours.
Ans: Social networking sites can lead to addiction, time wastage, and cybercrimes like cyberbullying, sexual harassment, hacking, etc. The personal information users share on social networking sites raises concerns about privacy breaches and data misuse by hackers or third parties.
Ans: One of the best advantages of not using social networking sites is that your data is secured. Your private information is private. Not using social networking can alleviate comparison, fear of missing out (FOMO), and the pressure to curate a perfect online persona.
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