The use of social networking: good or bad in today's world?
Social web services are becoming very popular, with popular social network sites such as Facebook having 250 million users. Skype has proved to be a valuable social web tool when speaking to users outside the UK. Skype has an estimated 124 million users currently connected to its services. However, this is causing some users to become addicted to using social networking services, with a South Korean person dying at his computer screen for an astonishing 50 hours with little breaks. This is one example of an extreme case which happened in 2005. The person also was fired from his job due to his addiction. Described in the paragraphs below are the pros and cons of the ‘social web’ in more depth.
Although the case described above is an extremely rare case, the frequency of people playing online games between 10 and 15 hours is increasing. However, taking online gaming to one side, research has suggested withdrawal symptoms when not using social networks on a regular basis. This was highlighted in research where not having access to Facebook for just one day caused 200 students to have withdrawal symptoms such as frantic cravings, anxiety and jitters, similar to giving up alcohol for example. Isolation can become a pressing concern if you just chat to your friends through social networking tools, with cyber-bullying certainly a threat when using social networking sites. A study by the American Public Health Association, also noted that depression, fighting, poor academic and poor sleep were higher with children who used social networking for more than 3 hours a day. BBC describes some more possible damaging effects of using the social web; the external link is http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7898510.stm. Also, the riots seen earlier on this year were spread via social networking; mainly through the blackberry messaging system.
Let’s move this thought to the good points of the social web. Long-distance barriers are certainly less of an obstacle. You can meet new friends via online social networks and though virtual worlds such as ‘second life’. Relationships can be enhanced, as well as setting up meetings with your friends over the social networks. However, a benefit which now is slowly being explored within organisations is using social networking tools within the e-learning sector; Wiki’s and Blogs are now being used to enhance e-learning. Furthermore shy people may feel happier joining an on-going conversation through Facebook, then through conventional means. Skype and Facebook certainly show the advantages that can be seen from the use of such social networking systems. However in certain cases, people and children can certainly become ‘addicted’ to social networks and the 'online' world.
Good post, I look forward to some good comments too. Laurence
ReplyDeleteLaurence, I hope the irony of "Good post..." is not lost on you. Back to the topic at hand however...
ReplyDeleteSocial networking, like all good things are subject to limitation. Something as innocuous as water can be toxic in excessive consumption. Similarly, social networking sites can be a danger when over utilised. The example you cite of a South Korean dying after neglecting basic needs such as sleep is, as you say, an extreem example, but not without parallels. I draw your attention to the case of an infant, just last year, starved to death by her parents as they dedicated untold hours to raising a virtual child online.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/mar/05/korean-girl-starved-online-game
The idea that social web technologies can be used effectively in more professional settings, such as education and business, can be particularly inviting. Wiki's and blogs only scratch the surface of the potential of these tools. Take Google Docs for example, a shared document can be edited simultaneously in real-time by many, many people. Even on a small scale, these tools can radically improve the value of documents produced. Take, for example, the practice of meeting minutes or lecture notes, collaborative editing of these documents can ensure that nothing is missed - for the benefit of all.
I don't believe social networking is either good or bad, but simply demonstrating the huge potential for all facets of our increasingly digitised life. Even pervasive use, in the appropriate circumstances, can lead to huge benefits. The crux of the matter is that we need to be sure we are using these technologies for a purpose, not simply as a means unto themselves.
It is evident people may spend too much time online, rather than in real life. Some of the statistics highlighted above about the withdrawal symptoms and the article about how Social networking harms health, were quite shocking for myself to hear. It is quite worrying that people use the services for over 3 hours a day, especially the younger generation as they could be spending the time studying. I agree social networking sites have many benefits, but we must use them wisely so we are not addicted.
ReplyDeleteOnline gaming networking is also very popular, instead of going out to play sports, people are playing online with online friends staying at home and not being active. I found an article which may be of interest regarding brain damage from computer games: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2049040/Computer-games-leave-children-dementia-warns-neurologist.html?ITO=1490
Social networking could be viewed in the two aspects many people think that it may be good, many people may disagree. Looking at the bigger picture I believe that health plays a big part in the day an age, it’s very important to keep a healthy lifestyle from either playing sports or just taking part in any offline social life. I do agree that social networking has a very strong point from communication to eLearning, share of thoughts etc. But research by doctors who specialise in health have researched and found out that there is more bad than good for using social networking.
ReplyDeletehttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7898510.stm
I think that this post is a very important illustration of how social networking has taken over day to day activities. Some the health issues are shocking to look at.
ReplyDeleteStudies like this may lead question where we will be in years, or decades to come, as everything around us is taking steps into the world of technology and social networking. We can even ‘like’ our Kelloggs cereal. Schools are increasingly investing in e-learning, thus, the new generation of youths coming out of education today see the use of technology and more importantly social networking as a norm. In reference to the health cases above, this may unfortunately become more and more consistent.
I believe the way forward is to start making people more aware of the risks that attached to constant social networking.
Thank you for everyone who has commented on this post to discuss this further. This is much appreciated.
ReplyDelete