from unleash15 October-November 2011
by Laura Sultana, 14, who wants people to see issues from a different perspective.
Technology has evolved over the past few years and it has become easier than ever to contact family and friends. All that is needed is a computer, phone, or anything that can connect to the internet. Gone are the days when we needed to pick up the telephone and dial an eight-digit number!
Social networking sites were designed to connect people and make communicating easier. Students, however, are becoming increasingly addicted to social networking, often pushing their studies and physical activities aside to jump online. Students find it hard to balance their school and social life while still enjoying the benefits that social networking can offer.
While social networking has many benefits, it also has its dangers. Cyber bullying is becoming a major problem for young people. Students should think twice before posting anything on the internet, as cyber bullying can have long-term effects on an individual. Young people often do not realise that anything that they post online is at risk of being misread or misinterpreted, taken as offensive or even seen as abusive!
To stop social networking from getting out of hand, we need to be cautious about what information we post online.
It’s simple – try to maintain a balance, be responsible, and think twice before posting anything online - you never know who might be reading it!