Responsible Use of Social Networking Sites

It is easy now to keep up with friends, with the use of social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, LinkedIn and such, we can update others about us in just one click away. They say that it is like the power of the mouse. When you posted something online, it can reach many people. Some topics discussed here in Hubpages are disadvantages of using these sites, or how can you use them for businesses. I am just wondering, have anyone wrote up about the responsible use of these sites? I might also discuss the information overload brought by these social media. But first, we will tackle how to use these sites responsibly.

As a teenager, I have been using these sites frequently. I spend hours and hours of browsing different profiles. Just to check out what's happening with my friends today. Some were happy, some were not, some are busy with their school, and some were just happily contented with our lives. Because of this information overload. Some issues aroused just by using these sites.

PRIVACY ISSUES. This is my main concern about using these sites. I strictly limit the information I post in my profile page, also, before I post something on the internet, I want to make sure that it would not invade my privacy. I just put my name, my email, work information and of course, where I study. Simple as that. It came to a point that, someone sent me a text message saying "hi". I don't have the slightest idea who that person was, when I asked that person who gave him my number, he said that it was posted on Facebook. Not only that, there were a number of strangers who keeps on sending me messages. It's my fault on my part because I added people whom I really don't know personally. Now, I learned my lesson, I must use them responsibly. I use my Facebook page just to let everyone know about my latest whereabouts and my recent articles.

CYBER BULLYING. Another issue is that when you have a conflict with someone, you post it on twitter or Facebook then, you let some people comment on the issue and then, the conflict was never settled. Because of the people who butted in and you can't blame them. You posted it, needless to say that "YOU GAVE THEM THE RIGHT TO SAY THEIR COMMENTS ABOUT IT." Some use it to bully someone because of their own insecurities. It was very tiring but people just don't stop. The easy access to people is one factor to this dilemma.

WHEN YOU POST SOMETHING, IT IS PERMANENT. This is the main concern of some users. You are what you say. Please be responsible on what you post on the internet. Your image is your responsibility. People might think bad about you because of one single post. It might ruin your name and reputation, this may result to other problems. See? The power of the mouse is not a joke. Again, be responsible about your posts. It may ruin your image, and again you might offend other people. What you post on the internet becomes permanent, even if you will delete it, still it made a mark on people's minds.

FACE YOUR PROBLEM, NOT FACEBOOK IT! People want to feel important, everyone is. That is why when they have a problem, they post it on Facebook to let everyone know. It is not bad to tell others about your problem, but also remember that you must disclose it only to the persons who are closest to you. It might ruin you and can leave a bad impression.

So there people, please be responsible about using these sites. If every user is smart enough what to say and do, maybe it will bring peace.