Online Social Networks

Online Social Networks

Are addictions to Online Social Networks good or bad?

There are several online social networks which each have millions of users, and are used in many different countries, and many different languages. What people use online social networks (OSNs) for and how long they spend their time on there varies, some may use it for a few minutes a day, and there are some who claim they are addicted to them. I will attempt to explain why people use online social networks and what side effects have occurred to the ones who are addicted. Are addictions to online social networks ever good?

What are online social networks?

Online social networks are places on the internet where people can become part of an internet community. People are able to set up their own personal profile with their personal information (the amount of information that a person may share is entirely up to them), photos, blogs, music, the amount of schooling they’ve had. Users are able to view friends’ profiles that have been made public for all to see. It’s a place where people can make connections to people who they may or may not regularly come in contact with.

A Brief History of Online Social Networks

Who uses Online Social Networks and why they use them.

Positive Effects

Negative Effects

Psychological Symptoms

Social withdrawl: problems relating to peers or adults

Having a sense of well-being or euphoria while at the computer

Craving more and more time at the computer

Feeling empty, depressed, and irritable when not at the computer

Lying to family and friends about activities

Problems at school (academic, behavioural, or social)

Physical Symptoms

Carpel tunnel syndrome

Dry eyes

Migraine headaches

Backaches

Eating irregularities such as skipping meals

Neglecting personal hygiene

Recommendations

For parents:

Set a certain time for when their...