What is a Social Network? Social networking is the connection of people through media resources where ideas, thoughts, pictures, videos, and friends can be shared. These networks of people allow for nearly limitless collaboration with people around the globe, and in many ways social networking is taking over as the dominant form of communication in our modern world. Some popular social networking sites are: Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, and Ning.
Is Social Networking Safe?
While social
networking sites are great for friends, business, and entertainment, they can
raise some issues with safety and privacy. Most safety issues stem from the
information available to hackers and scammers on social media sites. If personal
information is easily accessible by the public, then that means hackers can also
easily gain personal information. If passwords to social media sites are
cracked, then it is possible for another person to enter your account and pose
as you. Many cyberbullying issues are due to accounts being hacked and harmful
words being posted on another’s behalf. In addition to the privacy concerns
social media raises, safety could also be at stake. It is important to realize
that talking to strangers can be dangerous, even if it is only through the
computer. If a stranger online gets a hold of personal information, for example
your address, then that could present an unsafe situation. Social networking is
a wonderful way to connect with friends, but it should always be approached
cautiously.
networking sites are great for friends, business, and entertainment, they can
raise some issues with safety and privacy. Most safety issues stem from the
information available to hackers and scammers on social media sites. If personal
information is easily accessible by the public, then that means hackers can also
easily gain personal information. If passwords to social media sites are
cracked, then it is possible for another person to enter your account and pose
as you. Many cyberbullying issues are due to accounts being hacked and harmful
words being posted on another’s behalf. In addition to the privacy concerns
social media raises, safety could also be at stake. It is important to realize
that talking to strangers can be dangerous, even if it is only through the
computer. If a stranger online gets a hold of personal information, for example
your address, then that could present an unsafe situation. Social networking is
a wonderful way to connect with friends, but it should always be approached
cautiously.
What are the Legal Issues Involved?
There are legal
issues also tied to social networking. Most of these issues deal with
information, documents, videos, etc. that are copyrighted by an original source
and then posted over and over again through social media. Similarly,
unauthorized use of trademarks can be a legal issue. Trademarks are recognizable
images or words that are always associated with certain companies or brands.
Social media allows users to reference particular companies, but when trademarks
are used a false sense of endorsement is displayed, which poses legal
complications.
issues also tied to social networking. Most of these issues deal with
information, documents, videos, etc. that are copyrighted by an original source
and then posted over and over again through social media. Similarly,
unauthorized use of trademarks can be a legal issue. Trademarks are recognizable
images or words that are always associated with certain companies or brands.
Social media allows users to reference particular companies, but when trademarks
are used a false sense of endorsement is displayed, which poses legal
complications.
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