Social Media Hazards

It was devastating to know that one of the friends decided to damage his credibility in the social media when his job is to help certain parties to run their social media plans.

After the whole incident, it really does prove that social media really transmit messages and news faster than ever. The platform of the medium can be personal but the information can really reach the public in seconds. If one is too into it, without knowing the potential consequences, the effect can really be dangerous. Which is why, parents will still have to keep an eye on their children and their involvement in the social media.

One story that still stick in my head is about a story of a teenage girl whose parents' were out of town for couple of days. The moment she knows about it, she updated her one of the many social media's status with the statement of "my parents are AWAY for the weekend. Let's party tonight, my HOUSE!". And we all know that a teenage girl's group of friends in the network may not only consist "real" friends. Imagine the status update is transmitted to the network. With a click, as a friend, I will be able to access the personal information and there we go - address and telephone numbers. What potential danger does it lead to?

Social media may not be able to solve personal problems but it may open doors to many viable solutions. Otherwise, it may potentially jeopardise one's reputation for being a whiner. Therefore, my take from the usage of social media are:

1. Do not simply leave personal information to public. And only ensure the person we trust to be able to access our personal portal.

2. Do not rely to social media for medicine for the soul. Sometimes, it is good to call someone and talk over the phone. Humans are emotional being and voice affects emotions.

3. Do not recklessly insult and belittle somebody else over social media. I.e. Twitter, Facebook

. People just see and notice conversations. Of course, it doesn't spoil the image of others, but it makes the person who wrote the messages looks dumb. And I definitely do not want it to happen to a friend.

4. Do not rant recklessly. There are just some things we can't write and we are definitely not KINGs in cyberspace. Recently noticed a junior of mine in high school who is extremely critical of the Malaysian government. Nothing's wrong with it but we have to watch what we say. I think

cyberspace is like Twilight Zone, we may do everything we like but we will never know that "somebody's watching".

So use social media as an outlet for creativity and network. Do not misuse it as a ranting place for sensitive issues. Sensitive issues are for suitable channels and social media isn't one of them.