Social Networking: A source of Empowerment or Distraction?

Social Networking via the Internet is a relatively new technology that emerged within the first few years of the 21^st Century. The Introduction of these social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, has changed the way people behave and has altered social values.

The effects of social networking to individuals can be very beneficial – it’s a great way to keep in touch with people and share photos, videos and thoughts with them. It’s also a great way to make new contacts and also showcase your professional work. 

However, these sites can also pose as a distraction, being the general cause for procrastination among students and young adults. While most people in this demographic swear by the concept of ‘multitasking’, it’s evident through research that those who multitask have slower reaction times, meaning they aren’t carrying out work efficiently. Another problem that this technology brings about is a change in social behaviour and values – people often communicate and interact via social networks, making human relationships informal. Because of this, there is also a big change in how children are being brought up, with 5 year olds having facebook accounts, rather than being out playing with friends.

While some of the changes that social networks have made are negative, its hard to redesign technology to mitigate harmful social consequences, as the main problem with it, is using it in excess and making it control your life. The positive benefits, not only to individuals but to organisations, clearly outweigh the negative, it’s just the idea of using these social networks responsibly that needs to be altered.