Unit 5: the Risks in Using Social Media

Unit 5: The Risks in Using Social Media

AIU Online

Abstract

While there are some good points to using social media such as connecting with friends and business networking, there is also a dark side. One of the biggest problems with social media sites is the loss of privacy. Clicking on links on a social media site can lead to a computer virus that will allow others to get personal information. Another pitfall to using social media is cyber bullying. While anybody can be a victim of this type bullying, teenagers are generally the targets for this type of harassment. The effects of bullying can lead to emotional and physical problems. All in all, people need to be more aware of the risks associated with the use of social media.

Unit 5: The Risks in Using Social Media

Ellie comes home one night after a tiring night working her second job at a local tavern. Since she has a second job she cannot always connect with family and friends. So she sits down at her computer and logs in to Facebook. Her cousin Barbara went out on a date, her friend Stacey is staying home to watch scary movies and Ellie’s friend Jay sent her a link to a video. Of course she is curious and clicks on the link to see the video, but nothing happens. She is very tired and does not think anything more about the incident. Next, Ellie logs into LinkedIn to see what her business partners have been posting. Since she joined LinkedIn, her new CPA business has really grown. The next day, she logs into Facebook before she goes to work. There, posted on her page, is an altered picture of Ellie that was taken on a trip to Mexico five years ago in a compromising situation. Furthermore, there are about sixty rude comments and that many more dislikes for that picture. Ellie is shocked. How could this happen? Ellie quickly removes the picture and hurries off to her CPA business. Over the course of a week she gets more strange pictures and...