Page 25 - The 'X' Chronicles Newspaper March/April 2018 Edition

The Dangers of Social Networking 25

The Dangers of Social

Networking

by Robin Olsen

Sometimes a good idea can turn into something
very bad. Social Networking is a good example
of this. When it was created it was so that
people could share thoughts and ideas with like
minded people and keep in touch with distant
family. Then it evolved into the monster it is
today. It is heavily involved in every aspect of
your life now even if you choose not to use it.
How many times do potential employers
base their hiring decisions on what they see on
social media rather than on the resume? How
many stories are there of people losing their
jobs, health insurance coverage and even their
relationships because of something on social
media that seemed totally innocent at the time?
It's obscene the level of personal privacy we
have given up in the 21st century and I think
most of us do not even realize it has happened.
When we post on the Internet we think
we are safe and secure in our own living rooms
or offices. Perhaps we are sitting in our of the time this is for a good reason, to be sure, The Illusion of Safety
underwear or in a proper business suit, it really but have you ever asked yourself how they got The internet is definitely not safe.
doesn't matter. Why? It's because we are access to this or that private chat message when Especially for your kids. The best piece of
actually not in a safe and private place we are they are obviously not a part of the social media advice I can give in this area is to learn how to
actually in a very crowded room surrounded by circle in question? use the built in firewalls on your routers to
hundreds if not thousands of people on all sides, Don't forget that every website on the block out specific websites from your child or
anyone of whom may, or may not, be listening internet has a 'sysadmin' and he can see and even for your own benefit. Do not just rely on
in on your conversation. watch everything on their network. So, be sure the built-in Parental Controls that comes with
Even those who are not on your circle of it, everything you put up on the internet software firewalls to work. Most of these do not
lists (ie: Friends lists in Facebook, followers on STAYS on the internet for at least a VERY long screen out social media the way it should. In my
Twitter, etc.) can still listen in to your time and it can be viewed by a wide variety of opinion no one under the age of 18 should even
conversations via wall posts and general tweets, people for many different reasons. Every time be on social media. It serves no purpose to kids
responses to other tweets, etc. Think of it this you visit a website your IP address is recorded other than to distract them, keep them inside
way; if you are in a restaurant with your spouse in a log file somewhere and associated with that and get them into trouble.
having a conversation over dinner it is website. Consider the recent bullying cases
reasonable to assume that if you are not a little
involving Facebook. In the old days, before
more careful those at tables around you, even
The Illusion of Privacy social media, a bullied child would at least
though not specifically involved in your
I once read a story of a woman who normally be safe at home from the bullies but
conversation, can still hear what you are saying
suffered from chronic depression. She was now they get no respite at all, bullying in
correct? Same thing with social media, except it
given time off from work to deal with the issue schools pours over to bullying at home in the
is not so much your volume as it is the 'where'
and was paid by the medical insurance company form of Facebook threats, insulting tweets and
and 'what' you are posting that matters more.
while she was off from work. On the advice of constant insulting and threatening text
a doctor, recommended to her by the medical messages. Don't even get your kid a cell phone,
The Illusion of Security insurance company, she took a vacation to I grew up without one, they are not required.
The internet is definitely not secure, no Mexico to help relieve the stress and They are distractions at best and tools of
more secure than walking down a street in the depression. She posted pictures of her vacation aggression and hostility at worst. Constant and
middle of the day in a very large city. In such a on Facebook when she got back and the unrelenting bullying has lead to suicide among
scenario you are routinely filmed without your insurance company seen them, they said she our young people.
knowledge by CCTV, cell phone cameras, was lying and could not possibly be depressed And get into reviewing your kids
regular everyday digital cameras and even the and going on vacation at the same time and cut interactions with social media. Save and review
occasional TV camera. The internet is the same off her benefits. This woman probably thought internet history listings in your browsers. Learn
way only instead of video, your every keystroke she was only posting to her own circle and how to review the log files that are generated by
is recorded, every photo you upload is archived. chances are good the insurance company is not your routers and operating systems. Everything
Did you know you cannot 'delete' a photo from a part of that circle yet they still got the photos. you need to know is probably there and don't be
Facebook? Oh sure, you can remove it from How did that happen? No privacy on the afraid to block websites.
your profile and the button is labelled 'delete', internet. Keep yourself safe too. Watch who you
but Facebook keeps a copy, they always have, it There are other stories out there as well, interact with. Too many bad stories out there
is in your Facebook end-user agreement. Have teachers who have been disciplined for what begin with the words 'They met on the internet'.
you read it? Have you read any of the end-user they have said on Facebook in private chats or
agreements on these social media websites? You in rooms. Police officers,various other public (Continued on Page
should. Did you know you cannot delete your officials, etc. I won't bore you with them, just
Facebook account? You can deactivate it but it remember there is no privacy on the net and
will always be there and hackers love inactive there are countless examples that do not relate
accounts. The password never changes. specifically to government spying or evil
On many occasions law enforcement agendas. Don't do, post or say anything on the
has been able to track people and their activities internet you would not do in public.
based purely on internet activities alone. Most