For all of us, the use of social networks has become an essential part of daily life. Some people benefit from it, while others feel they have been wronged.
Social networks
Social networks are websites designed to bring together a number of people to facilitate exchanges. It is similar to a forum with several integrated services. There is a discussion group, a chat, etc. . Because of its usefulness, web designers have developed a multitude of social networks.
The different types of social networks
Social networks are divided into only two types. There are horizontal and vertical social networks. The first type is the generalist type, where membership does not require any particularity. In other words, horizontal social networks are accessible to all. In this group, we can mention Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
On the other hand, vertical social networks bring together a category of people with common points or objectives, such as work, passion, projects, etc. LinkedIn, Soundcloud is among them. Each of these types of social networks has its particularity and its benefits.
The benefits of social networks:
A popular entertainment
Social networks have seduced the general public. With our phones, social networks accompany us everywhere. They entertain us with photo sharing and news, new product launches, gags that make us laugh so much, videos, etc. It’s fun and entertaining that we find time to connect even at the dinner table or on a commute. Thus, a thousand likes and shares are insight.
Gain invisibility for companies
Within reach of everyone, companies use social networks to be closer to their customers. To do so, advertisements and products are put forward on social networks by focusing on the quality of the image, the colors, and the interests of the consumers. Furthermore, some media, such as radio and television, follow the digital trend and broadcast live their programs on social networks. Moreover, with the multitude of shares and likes, they manage to go around the world in just a few clicks.
A source of information
Today, many people get their information from the Internet, in this case, Facebook. Indeed, it is a high-speed information tool. Any event is taken in picture and is transmitted in a few seconds on this network. It also allows us to get news from our loved ones. Thus, family and friends’ ties are strengthened despite the distance.
Similarly, professionals and people who share the same passion can exchange information to improve their business. For example, on LinkedIn, we can easily find jobs. Although they are more interesting, social networks do not fail to present remarkable damage.
The disadvantages of social networks
The popularity of social networks turns it into a natural source of sexual violence. In addition to theft and all kinds of scams, the following actions present a danger to society.
The increase of the sexual network
Currently, we have seen the rise of violence on the Internet, especially on social networks. Indeed, they have become natural hunting grounds for sexual predators since there are many types of discussions and publications. Everything is allowed. Sexual predators, for their part, are looking for sexual contact. A sexual predator is a person who is looking for sexual pleasure and who uses different means, legal or not, to satisfy their desires. This type of person is able to create good relationships and build a network of people of all ages, including children. In fact, the majority of children, especially minors, are addicted to the telephone and are members of social networks, especially Facebook. As they are immature and lack knowledge, they are easily attracted by chat and sexual pictures. Thus, pedophilia and sexual abuse are on the rise.
The rise of sexual violence
Having friends is easy on social networks. This gives an advantage to seducers and sexual predators. Indeed, some people think they can find lovers on Facebook. Thus, a discussion resulting in intimate exchanges is initiated. Other people like to blackmail and publish the exchanged photos and videos without the owner’s consent. As a result, there is currently a kind of harassment of teenage girls on this network. It is called cyberstalking. The proof is that the majority of women between 15 and 25 years old are victims of online harassment, according to a survey conducted by the NGO on 14 000 women in 22 countries.
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