What are social networks?

Social networks are digital platforms formed by communities of individuals with

interests, activities or relationships in common (such as friendship, kinship,
work). Social networks allow contact between people and function as a means to
communicate and exchange information.

For what are the social network good for?

Communicate and share. Social networks function as platforms for the exchange
of information or opinion. Depending on the type of network, the functionalities
and the type of communication established between users vary. In many of them,
users can share images, videos, documents, opinions and information.
Maintain or establish contact. Networks allow all people who have access to the
Internet to create a user on the network and connect with others around the
planet who are also attached to that social network. They allow you to
communicate with friends, family, make new friends, find a partner, establish
work or professional relationships.

Advantages of social networks

Social networks have a series of advantages or benefits, which has allowed them
to establish themselves as one of the undisputed protagonists on the web.

-They are immediate. Social networks work in real time. The information, videos,
images and opinions that are shared on the networks are usually made public
and can be known by any user of the network in almost any part of the globe
immediately. On some platforms such as Twitter, social, cultural, political or
economic, regional or world events are instantly known to all its users.

-They are massive. Social networks have broken down cultural and age barriers
as they reach a large portion of the population.

They shorten distances. Social networks allow communication with friends,

family and any user of the network regardless of geographical distance.

-Increase brand visibility. In recent years, advertising and the creation of

corporate and brand profiles have made social networks a new market. They
allow buyers and sellers from all over the world to connect. They facilitate
customer service.

-They function as a channel for learning, entertainment and information. Social

networks function as means to viralize certain information. Depending on the
content in which the user is interested, they can learn, be entertained or
informed.
They allow information to be shared.
-Networks allow instant and easy file sharing: documents, music, photos, videos.
They provide job opportunities. There are networks that make it possible to
publicize the employment profile of users. Some, like LinkedIn, were created
with the specific goal of building professional communities. There, companies
create profiles from which job opportunities are offered to which interested
users can apply.

Negative aspects of social networks

Social networks have some negative aspects that every user must fight against:

Cyberbullying. It is one of the main risks of social networks and occurs when an
individual or group of individuals harasses or harasses another through social
networks. This can occur through insults, viralization of private information,
among other ways. Boys and girls must be educated so that they are aware of the
physical and psychological consequences that this type of practice can cause.
The grooming. It is one of the greatest dangers within cyberbullying. Also called
“pedophile deceit”, it consists of the harassment of adults towards minors
through social networks. Grooming is a criminal offense and must be reported.
The fake news. It is the false or unchecked information that circulates thanks to
the excess of information on the Internet. This can cause confusion for users and
difficulty in understanding the events.
Indiscriminate access to sensitive content. There is sexual or violent content on
the networks, which is often inappropriate, especially for vulnerable social
groups such as children.
Abuse in the use of social networks. Excessive use of social networks can lead to
loss of contact with the tangible world and cause addiction.

The viralization of information. It is the mass reproduction of information. It can

be a positive aspect when the information that goes viral is liked by the
individual, but it can be negative when confidential information goes viral or that
harms an individual in some way by losing their privacy.