With the development of social media, more and more youngsters are
being allowed unsupervised access to internet in order to meet and chat with
friends which can lead to potentially dangerous situations. What kind of
problems this can cause and what solutions can you suggest to deal with this?
The ubiquitous social media has influenced everyone, especially the young who are afforded an unchecked allowance to interact with friends. This has worried many social theorists who fear that this can result in severe predicaments. Although online social networking is unavoidable, there are remedies available that can help overcome challenges posed by this development.
Unmonitored interaction with the virtual social networking is predisposing young minds to behavior distortion. Undeniably, human behavior can adapt to the changing conditions, the traits experienced in the physical world have successfully transferred to the virtual realm too. When these individuals observe their peers indulging in acts of bullying or stalking, they too are inspired to follow the suit and pick up those aggressive behavioral traits, feeling they cannot be questioned for online activities.
Another conspicuous complication stemming from this phenomenon is the undue stress induced by inability to strike a balance between physical and virtual life. The young are obligated to respond to the posts of their friends, or they might have to face a flak from the latter. This taxes their strength and focus, leaving them drained, and with little energy and inclination to handle their other tasks, specifically their academic pursuits.
Nevertheless, a little judicious approach can help mitigate the risks associated with virtual social network access. It is necessary that parents first should educate themselves about the downsides of this activity, and then counsel their wards about the associated risks and legal implications. This could go a long way in creating fear and enlightenment among tender minds, making them cautious.
Overall, each innovation has certain failings and likewise social networking enjoys its own share. So, to not to let the young individuals come in harm's way, parents must act pragmatically and inform themselves of perils, and guide their little ones.
