Monday, Oct. 19, 2009
8:04 p.m.
How safe are we exploring the latest tools on social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook? Now, social networking is becoming the hot topic, not only among the average high school or college student but also amidst the crowd of the college classroom. Teachers are starting to implement these “useful tools” into the curriculum because many believe these venues will not be leaving our realm anytime soon.
I, for one, have always been skeptical of completely emerging myself into the social networking world. One, I do not like sharing an ear load of personal information online, and two, call me cynical or one who does not like change a great deal, but I think online communicating through Facebook profiles and “tweeting” will harm our personal communication skills in the future.
An article found on the below website seems to verify my doubts of social networking: http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/10/19/social.networking.crimes/index.html?iref=24hours . After pointing out the fact of how vulnerable users of Facebook and Twitter can be to cyber thieves, as the article quotes, I find my unwillingness to put myself out there-pun intended- is plausible.
As much as social media websites, Twitter specifically, are quality information sources, I fear the risk we, the users, implement if we completely rely on these sites in the future. The article claims that since 2006, approximately 3,200 account hijacking cases have been reported to the Internet Crime Complaint Center. These ‘cyber thieves’ are finding numerous break-in methods to gain access to our personal information posted on social networking websites. Not only do they have access to these information bits, but they also can publicize and share this material with interested parties who could further the damage and do something harmful with it.
Yes, you may be thinking that you consider yourself a smart user who knows not to open suspicious Facebook messages or download any unrecognizable applications, but your intelligence does not grant you complete immunity. Considering one of Facebook or Twitter’s most notable attributes- the ability to be connected with however many people you want- this puts you at danger if, say, one of your Facebook friend’s profiles gets hijacked, because there is opportunity for them to find and attack you through your friend’s networking list.
With Facebook and Twitter dominating today’s communication society- Twitter grew 1,382 percent to more than seven million users this last year- it will become a challenge for us to protect ourselves against cyber crimes, as the number of online hijackers, considering the opportunity, continues to increase. Social networks have already initiated protection limits on their respective websites to prevent their users from getting robbed, but it’s the nature of the worldwide web beast that still forces anyone online to be aware of what they offer as available information online.
In case you feel the need or share a common concern with me, the website (http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/10/19/social.networking.crimes/index.html?iref=24hours does offer ways to prevent yourself from identity theft or from being another victim of social media hijacking. If after reading this article, assuming you have gotten this far, and thinking that I am a total nerd for not hopping on the bandwagon and facing Facebook and Twitter with open arms, I should admit that I have profiles on each of these websites, and as dangerous as cyber space can be, I thoroughly enjoy checking out pictures on Facebook and being able to talk to family miles away within seconds. As much as I really do not enjoy tweeting, sorry Rain Pebble, I do agree that this site has been a revolutionary creation that has captured the interest of a majority of individuals and large businesses and organizations. Twitter can connect you with people that can serve as valuable information resources and provide you with significant news; not to mention its usefulness in connecting people across the globe.
I credit social networking sites for being critical mediums for the sharing and presentation of information; this is simply a reminder that not everyone uses the information you provide responsibly and respectfully.
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