facebook – friend or foe?



When Facebook was first created by Mark Zuckerberg in early 2005, it was much different than the marketed one we know today.  It was only known by a few workers who bragged about it, and even less used it.  Now, statistics show that 85 per cent of the world’s population have a Facebook account, making Zuckerberg one of the richest and youngest billionaires in the world.  The hype has spread to the younger generation of the 21st century.  But the question is: should we let them?

It has been confirmed by the users that the social networking site is prone to hacks, intrusion of privacy and misleadings.  Several have “friended” people they do not know, and many more have posted their own celebratory pictures and, others, lewd photos.  Constructive and offensive opinions about the homosexual community, the President, blacks, Muslims and a whole lot of issues are also posted.  This has led to controversy, insults, legal battles and worse, suicides.  These things are to be censored for a mere child.  It has been said that the internet is a dangerous place, and oftentimes, it seems as if Facebook is the most dangerous of them all.

Yet, Facebook is also as much of a friend as it is a foe.  More than ever expected, people have found old acquaintances and have found a way to interact with relatives across the globe.  They keep a healthy relationship with their friends through chatting and a countless many have realized that Facebook is just as useful as it is entertaining.  Few have used the site as a place of business, as a new way of living, while the rest are simply enjoying what it has to offer.

As both perspectives of the popular networking site are equally true, children can use Facebook – if only parents would supervise and guide them along the way.  This is where the so-called parental guidance plays an important role.

The elders would help the child learn about the many perils and perks of being digitally literate in complete safety.  Meanwhile, the latter would be taught of what is right or wrong and thus be prepared for the technological future of the 21st century.

Facebook is  much of a friend  than a foe, after all.  

Writer : Jean Dorothy Andrada

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

NAT Reviewer (2) - Araling Panlipunan IV

MTOT for G10 in Araling Panlipunan: An Impression

The Catcher In The Rye and The Concept of Communication