Web of Problems

Social networking sites have become immensely popular these days. They are deemed as the best way to stay in touch with new and old friends, acquaintances and relatives. Social networking sites have become a medium of sorts to share your world with others and be a part of their worlds as well. There is a plethora of social networking sites such as MySpace, Orkut, Face book, Twitter and LinkedIn available on the internet.

When letting their children use these social networking sites, parents should keep a few things in mind. It is important to understand that these websites are not the actual danger. There are people who hide their actual identity and use these websites as a tool for their ulterior motives. There are plenty of sexual predators that might harm children. They can expose children to sexually explicit videos, pictures and other content. Children out of their curiosity might have a look at such lewd sexual content. Researchers say that such kind of exposure is not good for the child. Older children might also be in the line of fire. Teenagers are restless, susceptible and easily fall prey to such acts. Teenagers who upload photographs especially girls should be aware that these photographs can be misused. Parents should instruct children not to reveal personal details on social networking sites. Teenagers and children usually befriend strangers and foreigners on these websites. These strangers don’t reveal any truthful detail about themselves and parents should warn their charges to stay away from them. There have been numerous cases where terrorist have befriended children of security personnel in order to obtain sensitive information. It is imperative that parents explain such risks to their wards in a kind manner which does not displease their children.

Adults also could face serious consequences if they post sensitive material relating to their jobs on these websites. Recently an Israeli soldier posted details of his next operation on Face book. As a result he was suspended and the operation he was so excited about was called off. The web pages generated on social networking sites can be hacked into, can be corrupted with malware and can be used to embed spy ware. By hacking into someone’s personal account hackers can obtain sensitive information from their personal computer, like credit card number. Number of cases of identity theft, fraud and spamming are on the rise and children particularly are vulnerable.