Advantages and Disadvantages of Social
Networking

Given the current social networking boom, it's amazing that the advantages and disadvantages of social networks are still open to discussion. After all, in the past 10 years the value of social networking sites has been well-proven and documented.

Weighing the Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Networking

Throughout the years, participants of social networks have:

• Found romance
• Formed new businesses
• Enhanced their existing businesses
• Sold merchandise
• Received assistance when in trouble
• Been picked up by supposed stranger when stranded at an airport
• Found property
• Found new jobs
• Received job recommendations
• Received new employee recommendations
• Made friends
• Connected with old friends
• Received free lodging on vacation
• Received divorce, pet loss and bereavement support.

The list goes on. On the other hand, many people cite identity theft, cyber-stalking and Internet addiction as some of the disadvantages of social networking. Which side has it right? In any debate like this, it's important to weigh both opinions in order to thoroughly explore the advantages and disadvantages of social networking.

Each Side of The Debate

Some people believe that social networks are harmful to society. These folks will go as far as saying that social networking should be banned. For the most part, these fears are based on the affects that social networks have on children and teenagers. Some also worry about Internet child stalkers. Others are concerned that their children are simply spending too much time on the Internet. These situations are indeed cause for concern. On the other hand, consider when the baby boomers were kids. Many of them had pen pals. This was considered a desirable way to teach kids about other cultures. Pen pals communicated on a one-to-one basis. A social network can supply you with pen pals from all over the globe. What better way to promote cultural understanding? In addition, the Internet is the ultimate online textbook. Students no longer need to take out six library books at a time. Much of what they need to know they can find online.

In looking deeper at this social network paranoia, it’s possible that some, but certainly not all of it, is based on an irrational fear of globalization. In other words, some parents might be uncomfortable about having their kids associating with people from other countries, simply because they, themselves are not comfortable with non-Americans. As the song says, you have to be carefully taught. That said, world peace can only come about with global communication. What if social networks were used as a teaching tool in the classroom?

Flame Warriors and Godwin’s Law

Many people are opposed to social networks because they may encourage unrealistic interpersonal communications. In many of these social networks, you'll find the use of all lower case letters and Internet abbreviations, which encourages a lazy sort of writing. Then there’s the issue of the message board flame war. Granted, these happen more on message boards than on social networks. Many social networks do have their own forums, so having an encounter with what is known as the Flame Warrior isn't that unlikely.

What causes the flame war? When hiding behind the security of a screen, many people tend to say anything, no matter how inappropriate. The constant clicking of the keyboard often leads to a rhythmic rage. Before long, the diatribe can turn rather mean. In addition, some people have a naturally sarcastic method of communicating. If you were to hear them talk in person, it would be rather humorous. However, online it can come off as nasty, which may cause other posters to respond in turn. There are two ways to avoid a flame war:

• Don’t feed the "Trolls"
• Don’t fan the flames
• If someone compares anyone to a Nazi, invoke Godwin’s Law

Godwin’s Law states that "As a Usenet discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches one." You can apply this Law to any thread on any message forum or social network. In other words, if someone calls someone a Nazi, the correct action is to declare Godwin’s Law, which means that the thread is officially over.

Final Words

Even here, there is lemonade to be made from the lemons of social networking. You can use a flame war as a lesson in how to argue and debate without turning nasty. A misunderstanding can often lead to a truce. These are the kind of skills that people need to learn in life. In weighing the advantages and disadvantages of social networking, it's best to weigh on the side of information. After all, the lack of it has always had a devastating effect on society.

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