Disadvantages: The Expansion of Social Networking

Nonetheless, there goes a saying that nothing is ever as good as it may seem. However perfect Facebook may appear, there are still plenty of hurdles that must be overcome. Regina Flowers (2010), a senior health information management major, said, “When you walk into the library, instead of everyone doing work, they’re all on Facebook.” (Excessive, pg. 5). For one, Facebook poses as a distraction to students in school or employees at work because of its accessibility and availability twenty-four hours of the day. Users seem to become addicted to the content and fall into the habit of checking recent updates excessively. Rather, a suggestion could be made to implement some sort of tool to monitor the number of times one checks Facebook or limit the hours one is permitted to use the website. Perhaps an unrealistic suggestion, yet, more often than not, students find themselves glued to their computers or tempted to check Facebook while in class.

In addition, further research can be done to uncover how many users are younger than the required age of 13. The use of Facebook can be dangerous to any person, especially children, if one is not careful. As a result of its user-friendliness and simplistic layout, there are risks of danger, such as stalking and harassment, because of privacy issues that may lead to the over exposure of information or pictures. According to J. Carlton Collins (2010), Facebook is a part of “cyberspace, with information traveling at the speed of light. You cannot get it back once it is loose. Remain aware of what privacy settings are available and be conscious of what your friends may be publishing about you.” (pg. 43). Every Facebook participant, whether it’s a teenager, adult, or student, must be aware of the seriousness of exposing too much information to strangers that may possibly be predators. By not being careful or utilizing the privacy settings, one’s profile page and photos may invite unwelcomed viewers into one’s life.