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Social Network Sites
Jared Duncan
Within the last decade, the World has witnessed huge advances in technology. These technological advances have had many positive effects on improving the way we live our lives. However, there have also been many unintended consequences with this same technology; moreover, there are ethical considerations with any new technology.
A phenomenon that sprung up from the “technological age” is social networking sites. Social networking sites have become increasingly popular, and they provide a great way to meet new friends. However, much like any other new technology, these social networking sites have brought about many unintended consequences and ethical questions. They are increasingly recognized as a rich source for gathering personal information. Identity theft, spyware, and child predators are some of the main concerns that need to be addressed.
Identity theft can happen to anyone that is willing to put personal information on a public site, especially without any privacy filters in place. Identity theft is not just an issue with networking sites; it can also be a concern in any other public forum. The ethical concerns are how do we protect individuals from identity theft, who should be responsible for protecting this information, and is it really possible to prevent identity theft? The most experienced hackers will always find ways around security filters and firewalls. However, a majority of identity thefts occur because individuals are willing to put their personal information on a social network site, without any privacy filters in place. Owners of networking sites should be held accountable for certain standard security measures, and there should be a standardization of the minimum-security requirements that are required from each site. However, the individual willing to place personal information on a public site should ultimately bare some responsibility for their actions.
Spyware is also becoming an ethical concern with not only networking sites, but also any site that a user may visit. Spyware is computer software that is installed surreptitiously on someone’s personal computer to collect information about a user, their computer or browsing habits without the user’s informed consent. Not only does spyware create the ethical issue of a marketer gathering your personal data for a profit; it can also lead to more serious crimes. The software may be installed in order to steal copyrighted or confidential information, as well as passwords, bank account details, social security numbers, personal and business correspondence, and credit card information. It can also open a backdoor to other infected systems, and damage or interfere with legitimate applications operation. Unlike the user thoughtlessly posting personal information on social networking sites, spyware is downloaded without the user knowledge, which makes it particularly harmful.
Although social networking can be a great tool for children to build an online community of friends, it can also be a place where child predators go to lure their victims. An important ethical question is "who is responsible for protecting our children?" Should it be the networking sites, the parents, or the government? Networking sites should be required to provide a minimum standard of security to prevent identity theft; likewise, these networking sites should be required to provide a minimum level of security to minors. However, some sites require only that the registrant provide an email address, and often there is no system in place to verify the validity of any of the information or prove the individual is of proper age. The government can legislate new laws that networking sites must follow in order to help protect minors; however, it would be nearly impossible to fully protect minors without completely outlawing all networking sites. Ultimately, parents are the only ones who can truly protect children from internet predators. Parents should open up communication lines with their kids, by explaining the dangers and clearly communicating boundaries. Parents can act as “administrators” by using parental controls and blocking certain types of websites with key words. There is really no difference between the dangers kids may face on a networking site, compared to the dangers they face interacting with others everyday. Parents just need to be aware of the dangers, and take precautions to protect their kids.
Identity theft, spyware threats, and child predators are the dark side of networking sites. However, these sites also have many advantages. They are a great way of sharing your thoughts, and keeping family and friends up to date. As long as you use precautionary measures and manage children‘s access, networking sites can be an enjoyable experience. The old rules that have applied to the internet elsewhere should also be applied to networking sites as well. Think before posting anything, and if you are not comfortable sharing information, you probably do not want to post it on the internet for everyone to see.
Works Cited
Scudder, Brett A., “Oh My, the Social Networking Industry Issues and it Effects."
Computer User. 4 Dec. 2007. 7 Apr. 2009 <http://www.computeruser.com/
archives/viewdetails_articles/238488f9cf4b621d8be1dda381b54432>.
Tacita, Lara. “Myspace and Facebook: The Dangers of Social Networking.”
Webupon. 13 Sept. 2007. 7 Apr. 2009 < http://www.webupon.com/
Web-Talk/Myspace-and-Facebook-the-Dangers-of-Social-
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