THE NEW ADICTION
The social networks are born to increase the communication and social interaction between people instantly, generates union and strengths ties between people regardless of distances languages, races and gender. However, these some characteristics are those that, being misused have unleashed a
negative impact in to society facilitating the dissemination of content and messages that destroy the integrity, self-esteem and good name of individuals and institutions at all level.
Some of the consequences of the misuse of social networks are identity theft intimidation, scams among others. These problem do not exclude age, socio-economic status or gender, leaving the entire society completely exposed the being victims or any type of attack on social networks .Many organizations were pioneers to protect users, who must be aware of and respect the famous saying “It is better to prevent than to regret “
A recent example of how the misuse of networks affects it is users is the case of Julio Cesar Gonzales, who was published by the newspaper El Tiempo, in which the Colombian cartoonist known as “Matador” ,announces through social networks like twitter that he is receiving death threats through that same means.
The excessive use of social media can have implications for the mental health of young people. 91% of young people between the ages of 16 to 24 years use the internet to access social network, it is estimated that addiction to social networks affects 5% of young people, considering these means more addictive than cigarettes and alcohol. The rates of anxiety and depression in young people have increased by 70% in the past 25 years. The use of social networks is related to increase the rates of anxiety and depression, with sleep difficulties, cyberbullying is a growing problems 7 out of young people say they have experience it.
As in life itself, the social networks can be a good place to meet with lifelong friends and meet new people. However, no one is free of danger. That is why the best thing will always be to know the threats and the tools that exist to prevent the dangers.
By: Lorenzo Mantilla, 9B