Call it the ‘darker side’ of technology innovation. Social networking sites, mostly loved by the youngsters, are raising its ugly heads every now and then. The brains behind this concept of hi-tech social interaction had never thought of that it would one day turn as unsociable networking platforms in the society and specifically among the youth. The instances taking place in the society are evident of this fallout.Social networking site, what’s that?A social networking website is a virtual space a user can create a profile and build a personal network that connects him or her to other users. In the past two years, such sites have grown from a niche activity into a phenomenon that engages almost everybody today. This web platform helps the online users to know other users, thus creating an online social bond. Orkut, MySpace, Facebook are among the leading names in social networking sites.
Internet safety and privacySocial networking sites such as MySpace and others have grown rapidly, but have created concerns about Internet safety and privacy. The Center for Missing and Exploited Children reported more than 2,600 incidents of adults using the web to target children online in order to engage in sexual activity.The popularity of social networking sites has unexpected consequences for users. A gay student attending a Christian college was expelled after administration officials viewed photos of the student in drag on Facebook. Twenty middle school students in California were suspended after participating in a MySpace group where one student allegedly threatened to kill another and made anti-Semitic remarks. In Kansas, authorities arrested five teenagers after one of the suspects used MySpace to outline plans for a Columbine-like attack on the boys’ school.Observing this unsocial behavioral pattern of these social networking sites, it has been alleged that they are building a habit among young users to glue to these sites.Spammers HavenSocial networking sites have now been a safe haven for spammers who now use fear, lust, greed, ambition & other psychological factors to appeal to their victims.
A Fashion Designer was applying to colleges abroad when he got a mail with a lot of lucrative admission offers. When he clicked on the link, it led to another website. After some days he found that a lot of spy wares had been installed on his system.
Cyber security expert hold the view that when the profiling is done, spammer already has some information about the users. With social engineering, the spammer can find the weaknesses of the user and make tempting offer. Phishing out information is one of the main motives behind spam mails. Research reveals that increased activity on internet is giving spammers a good peep into a person’s psyche.
The ‘Orkut’ StoryPopular social networking site of Google- Orkut.com- was in the news recently but for wrong reasons. And the story was about the posting of ‘obscene’ material about girls. This led to one girl committing suicide for being unable to bear the allegations against her that she was involved in unsocial activity.
In October, the Bombay high court had directed the state government in October to block ‘Orkut’ because of a ‘hate India’ campaign. The site was also condemned for anti-Islam messages posted on it.
Orkut has also received wrath for hosting several communities and fan clubs dedicated to dreaded criminals like Dawood Ibrahim, Chhota Shakeel, Chhota Rajan, Abu Salem and Tiger Memon. This prompted its owner Google Inc. to shut down some communities because it advocates violence and human rights violations.
The MoralNo doubt, greater innovation in technology has been undertaken for the betterment of the society, and we sometimes tend to take its advantage by applying for what it is not meant for.
Thinking larger picture of the society is imperative and these technological advancements give you the opportunity to do so.
