The Dangers of Social Media

‘To participate in online social networking is also about the act of sharing yourself – or your constructed identity – with others’ (Albrechtslund, 2008).

Social Media Sites such as Facebook, Twitter e.t.c have been hitting the headlines lately with horror stories about sharing too much of your life on these websites. 

Headlines such as this one from The Daily Mail;

How thieves can track down your address ONE MINUTE after you update Facebook and Twitter with your holiday plans.

(http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1379096/Facebook-Twitter-users-risk-burgled-posting-holiday-plans.html#ixzz1KL9b2jJ9)

Seems crazy, but our culture is changing from closed and private, to much more open, and shared. 


But how much is too much?


It is incredible how much information is stored about us on the web. Anyone could find anything about anyone; from date of birth, work history, family members, to credit card details, phone numbers, and addresses. 


You may not remember giving it, but the web never forgets!




I don't want to make Social Media seem evil; it really isn't. There are some great benefits that come from it.


On a personal level, Social Media is a great method of forming connections with other people. These could be long lost friends/relatives, work colleagues or personal influencers. 


Kevin Tofel, from Gigaom.com says;

"If you want to build relationships in a real-time fashion, then social networking is the tool to use. If you get additional value from such networks over and above connecting with people around the world, I say that’s a bonus."

The Benefits of Social Media for businesses is really about CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility). 

"Creating a CSR strategy has become a primary challenge for CEOs. Fortunately, social media can be an invaluable resource for companies willing to commit to becoming better corporate citizens."

(http://mashable.com/2010/02/02/corporate-social-responsibility/)

So Social Media really does have some benefits. 


It is imperative, however, to remember that whatever information you put about yourself online, can be seen and used by just about anyone. We may be entering a more open, social culture, but that doesn't mean you should advertise yourself to the world!