Social Media: Its Problem and Solution for the Modern Society

To commence, this essay primarily focuses on social media, its issues, and corresponding solutions. "Social media is a compilation of digital communication platforms dedicated to community-based interaction and content sharing. Illustrative examples include Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and others." While social media boasts numerous advantages and benefits, it also harbors significant drawbacks. This research report will identify, explain, describe, and propose solutions to specific social media problems. Although some individuals employ social media for positive purposes, others exploit it to perpetrate harm, thereby initiating the issues associated with this domain.

Cybercrime and Bullying: Hazards and Resolutions

In contemporary society, cybercrime occurs more frequently than anticipated, continuously evolving with new threats. Cybercrime refers to criminal activities committed via social media platforms or the internet using computers, laptops, or smartphones. For instance, this encompasses the misuse of personal information (identity theft) and the dissemination of child pornography. "While most of these cybercrimes are carried out by individuals or small groups, large organized crime syndicates have also leveraged the power of the internet. These criminals constantly innovate to expand their illicit activities, treating cybercrime as a business."

According to Magalla, the first recorded cybercrime took place in 1820. This is substantiated by the existence of computers since 3500 BC in India, China, and Japan. The foundation of modern computing can be traced back to Charles Babbage's analytical engine, with banks emerging as the earliest adopters of large-scale computer usage. Consequently, fraudulent schemes in the realm of computing emerged. Cybercriminals employ various attack strategies, including Botnets, which are software robots that propagate malware; Zombie computers, which are compromised systems used to launch or spread malware; and Skimmers, which are devices designed to pilfer credit card information.

According to Magalla, different types of cybersecurity measures are exclusively dedicated to safeguarding computers against various viruses and worms. These measures are collectively referred to as aspects of cyber security. Noteworthy types of cyber security include network security, which focuses on safeguarding networks from diverse threats to ensure seamless computer networking operations, and data security, which protects vital data residing in different computer drives through solutions such as antivirus software and firewalls. Safeguarding important information and data on computers against the multitude of viruses, malware, and cyber threats is paramount, and cyber security solutions play a vital role in this regard. For example, Avast free antivirus is an application that can be installed on a computer to prevent and protect against virus incursions. This versatile application offers features such as website virus scanning, scanning of external devices like memory sticks and smartphones, browser clean-up, and more.

Now, let's delve into the realm of online bullying. Bullying entails the intentional harm or intimidation of an individual, while cyberbullying specifically transpires through digital devices via the internet, often constituting a form of cybercrime. For those who experience cyberbullying, it can be an arduous ordeal, leaving individuals feeling degraded, humiliated, and belittled. "Instances of cyberbullying involve sending degrading, hurtful, or threatening text messages or images, divulging private information about an individual, or intentionally excluding someone from an online community." An example of this can be seen in the form of Twitter mobs on the Twitter platform. Cyberbullying has profound emotional and physical ramifications for its victims. It can result in depression, loneliness, eating disorders, anxiety, and diminished self-esteem, potentially leading to extreme outcomes such as suicide or even acts of violence perpetrated by the victims against their tormentors. "Various factors contribute to individuals becoming cyber bullies. Often, bullies harbor insecurities within themselves, resorting to mistreating others to bolster their own sense of superiority and alleviate their personal insecurities."

To address cyberbullying, it is essential to foster open communication with individuals experiencing bullying, as they often feel isolated. Providing comfort and support is crucial when tackling these challenges. Dismissing incidents of bullying as minor issues and opting to ignore them would be a mistake.

Health Issues Stemming from Social Media and Their Remedies

Engaging with social media typically involves prolonged screen exposure through smartphones, laptops, or computers. This prolonged exposure can lead to adverse effects on a person's eyesight, commonly referred to as digital eye strain. It is exacerbated by inadequate rest periods. According to Cashin-Garbutt, individuals who frequently spend more than three hours per day looking at computer screens may experience symptoms such as eye discomfort, headaches, blurred vision, and difficulty focusing. Apart from digital eye strain, social media usage is linked to various other health issues. "Addiction to social media can result in side effects such as reduced social interaction, sleep deprivation, stress due to online arguments, physical ailments like carpal tunnel syndrome affecting the hands and wrists, and eye problems caused by excessive screen exposure." DiRenzo states that people can develop a severe addiction to social media, leading them to spend excessive time online at the expense of face-to-face interactions with real people, ultimately resulting in a lack of focus and the squandering of precious time.

Fortunately, there are several tips to minimize the risk of health issues associated with social media usage. Firstly, adjusting the screen position in relation to eye level can alleviate strain. Secondly, balancing screen brightness with ambient light conditions promotes visual comfort. Thirdly, cleaning the screen regularly prevents dust accumulation, which can impair clarity and cause eye irritation. Lastly, consciously taking breaks every 20 minutes to shift focus away from the screen and blink regularly is crucial. According to DiRenzo, when social media usage is moderated, it can have a neutral or positive impact on one's health. Here are some general tips to consider:

Establish scheduled times for social media usage. Consider installing applications that restrict access to specific websites. Avoid using social media during activities that require focus to prevent distractions and self-harm. If social media addiction becomes overwhelming, seek professional assistance.

The Issue of Falling Victim to Fake Identities and Its Solution

In the realm of contemporary social media, distinguishing between authenticity and deception, truth and falsehood, and genuine and fabricated identities has become increasingly challenging. It has become effortless for individuals to assume false identities, fabricate personal details, and present themselves as someone entirely different, giving rise to what is commonly known as a fake profile. A fake identity occurs when one person impersonates another by utilizing their personal information or when an entirely new identity is created. "Creating fake identities or profiles on social media serves various purposes. Some individuals employ this tactic for hacking, stalking, or harming others, while others engage in such behavior merely for amusement without causing harm." According to Wallace, approximately 3% of Facebook profiles, 15% of Twitter profiles, and an estimated 8% of Instagram profiles are considered fake. In total, these three platforms account for approximately 142 million fake profiles on the internet, elucidating why individuals often fall prey to deceptive identities. People may be deceived into believing that a profile represents someone they know, be it a family member or a friend. With each interaction, the facade of a fake profile becomes more plausible, blurring the lines between authenticity and deceit. Some fake identities are fabricated with the intention of luring individuals into meeting in person, subsequently facilitating kidnapping or trafficking, highlighting the inherent risks of encountering strangers from the online world.

According to Online Profile Pros, detecting fake identities/profiles on social media has become increasingly challenging. An estimated 60% of online profiles are either inactive or fraudulent. While spotting fake profiles can be difficult, there are some red flags to be mindful of:

Look out for common power words found in fake profiles, such as "Female," "Catholic," "Widowed," "Nigeria," "Self-employed," and "Royalty." Beware of nonsensical messages, often generated by robotic systems, lacking coherence. Exercise caution when encountering profiles with only one photo, as this may be indicative of deceit. Empty profiles with minimal information are another warning sign. Be wary of individuals requesting personal information.

To protect oneself from falling victim to fake identities and scams, it is crucial to acknowledge the existence of scams and remain vigilant. Keeping personal information private and refraining from sharing it with strangers is imperative. Furthermore, individuals should be cautious of requests for money or sensitive details from unfamiliar profiles. By adhering to these simple precautions, the risk of falling for fake identities and being scammed can be significantly reduced.

Conclusion

In conclusion, despite its primary purpose of facilitating communication and societal benefit, social media also presents significant disadvantages and challenges. As demonstrated above, social media usage can adversely affect individuals' health, expose them to cybercrime, and subject them to the potential dangers of fake identities. Moreover, excessive reliance on social media can impede genuine face-to-face interactions, leading to a waste of valuable time and seeking validation from unknown individuals. Nonetheless, employing appropriate security measures, distinguishing real from fake identities, and safeguarding personal information can mitigate these issues. By adhering to these guidelines, individuals can navigate the realm of social media with greater safety and well-being.