Do the virtual social networks have an impact on socializing or rather on alienation? To be discussed here are the psychological impact upon Internet users, as result of extensive use and the public health issues (from obesity to mental status) are also to be analyzed. The impact upon the education quality and school absenteeism, lack of sleep and improper nutrition may be connected also to the use of virtual social networks such as Facebook, and applications such as messenger, Skype, video chatting, etc.. Are there any proposed solutions? What is the overall impact on economics?
Thanks Mr. Adiran for raising this important issue. To my understanding social networks are a tool which can be utilised positively to bridge the social and communication gaps between the peoples, nations, societies and communities. Ideally social networks are a great source of promoting peace and love, transferring knowledge, exchanging ideas and enhancing the level of awareness about societal problems. But at the same time, enormous negative impacts are obvious. I personally believe that the networks are promoting alienation, selfishness and individualism. We see many friends on-line but don't care or try to poke them. Because the networks are a great source of other amusements which supersede the love for old friends and results in wastage of time, which is crucial for all ages especially the teenagers with immature minds. The youngsters have been found searching date partners at the expense of their study time, health and wealth. Although the networks are a great source of promoting business yet I don't see positive impact of the net works on the global economy in toto. However if we are able to control use of social net works at micro and macro level (which seems impossible), then we can derive great benefits from these networks.
Thank you for raising an interesting question. Like all innovations and newer technology enabled applications virtual social networks can be used to benefit social interaction and learning or to detract. Our understanding and appreciation of the nuances of our interactions and associated online communication behaviours are still relatively immature. In future the field of analytics, in particular learning analytics , potentially offers ability for important insights in this respect.
This issue is one of great concern. The advent of virtual social networks have eroded our African social and cultural values, distract students from their studies and expose them to all sorts of danger. I fear for the future of our youths.
I did some research on identity and how it is constructed. A crucial element of identification is the reoccuring comparison with the world. We are acting in reality but our Identity is rather a virtual construction. Thus, it is possible to feel addicted to networks like Facebook or Twitter, since they allows us to create an identity that can be tested in a closed controllable environment. We construct and deconstruct our identity like in video games, but things are affected adversely when ones concept of identity is highly dependent on social networks in the web. Thus, especially young people, just starting out to find their own identity, may become addicted and need help to learn different concepts compared to those in the internet.
I personally don't think that virtual networks will endanger the social life of our or the next generation, since it is a natural psychological activity to create an identity. Think for example of s.o. who is addicted to shoes or Matchbox-cars instead:) I know there are news about teens that commit suicide due to Cyber-Mobbing, but this originates from the fact that there is mobbing in real life as a trigger.
Economically speaking, social networks are a crucial aspect of interaction between people. It is much easier to sell products to friends than to an unknown subject. Those persons on FB, Researchgate or Twitter who have the most followers will also be interesting for companies.
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