Privacy considerations
- social media users don't always access the services on a traditional computer, they do it on their smartphones.
- As social media continues to take advantage of mobile devices and location-based services, the potential for privacy and security threats increase.
- In fact, most people’s smartphones automatically collect location data continuously, and social media apps are some of the heaviest users of this data.
- Increasingly spammers, hackers and other online criminals are targeting social networks.
- It is important to use strong passwords, and be wary of clicking links from so called friends.
- Make sure to log out when using social media on public devices.
Ethical
It is becoming commonplace for companies to advertise job vacancies and scan social media platforms, like LinkedIn. According to a survey from 2018, 70% of employers use social media to screen candidates during the hiring process, and 57% said they had found content online that caused them to reject a candidate. This raises ethical questions for employers around employees’ rights to privacy and fairness.
Health
Many studies have found a strong link between heavy social media use and a rise in depression, anxiety, loneliness and even suicidal thoughts. Social media may also promote negative experiences such as inadequacy about appearance and life.
Positive aspects of social media
There is an increase in communication, helping to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. There are opportunities to link in with health support to get health related information. It provides affordable opportunities to people in rural and remote areas to seek help.
