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Social media is a form of online communication
that has become a popular
way to make and maintain new and existing relationships. It is an internet-based way
to publicly share ideas, opinions, thoughts, and information using computer-based
technology. People that use it are quickly able to exchange things such as: personal
information, documents, articles, files, videos, reviews, and photos. This interaction
is made easier through the creation of virtual networks. People use various devices,
like computers, tablets, gaming devices, or smart phones via web-based software or
applications to share their content on-line. Today around seven-in-ten Americans
use social media to connect with one another,
engage with news content, share
information, and entertain themselves.
Most platforms or applications require the creation of a user profile to access,
play, or publish to sites. Profiles include basic information to identify the user, for
example the user’s name, photo, location, contact information, a password, and any
personal details that the user is willing to share. "A social profile also displays
information that helps to understand the type and strength of an individual’s
relationships with others; like their level of participation and contribution in different
initiatives, projects,
communities, or conversations; their reputation among other
participants, and so on."
Because social media is a means of mass communication (broadcasting,
publishing, and the internet) it is akin to newspapers,
television, and radio in its
ability to reach people. However, social media often does not have the same
guidelines, standards,
security protections, government regulations, or legal
requirements as these other forms of media. Its use has raised unresolved issues
related to the constitutional
right of freedom of speech, censorship, corporate
responsibility, and the ownership of intellectual property.
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Unfortunately, social media can also have negative impacts which are
unhealthy and sometime downright dangerous. Because
of how public the access
can be, social media is vulnerable to invasions of privacy, misinformation, misuse,
and malicious intent and/or code on a global basis.
Radicalization, stalking, identity theft, personal attacks, cancelling, phishing,
social media addiction, and misuse of information are some risks and negative
impacts faced by social media users. Much of the time,
users themselves are
responsible as they share content that should not be in the public eye. The confusion
arises from a lack of understanding of how private and public elements of online
profiles work. Improper use can result in irreparable damage to one’s reputation or
self-esteem. Other times in situations with intentional misinformation the goal is to
deliberately mislead, defame, and/or provide questionable/false information. And
there are social media platforms specifically designed to promote hate speech,
unsubstantiated conspiracy theories, hoaxes, and cause political polarization.