MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING

----o0o----
HO CHI MINH CITY UNIVERSITY OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES
AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – (HUFLIT)

Term Paper Course

The Risks of Social Networking
for the Young Generation
Instructor: Nguyễn Thị Ái Loan M.A.
Student: Nguyễn Võ Quang Huy
Student’s number: 21DH711552
Class: LA2104

HO CHI MINH CITY, November 9th, 2023

THE RISKS OF SOCIAL NETWORKING FOR THE YOUNG GENERATION

NAME: Nguyễn Võ Quang Huy

STUDENT ID: 21DH711552
UNIT NAME: Term Paper

Declaration
I certify that the attached material is my original work. No other person’s work or ideas
have been used without acknowledgement. Except where I have clearly stated that I have
used some of this material elsewhere, I have not presented this for assessment in another
course or unit at this or any other institution.
Name/signature Date: November
9th, 2023

EMAIL ADD: 21DH711552@st.huflit.edu.vn

DATE SUBMITTED: November 9th, 2023
WORD COUNT: 2136 words

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THE RISKS OF SOCIAL NETWORKING FOR THE YOUNG GENERATION

" Social Networking improves the lives of people who can avoid being dominated
by it and forced into damaging obsessions" (Frank Kaufmann, a scholar and educator
based in North America, 2018). Admittedly, the presence of technology, including social
networking, can be a valuable tool for young people, but they must navigate its risks and
avoid falling into damaging obsessions or negative consequences. It sets the stage for the
exploration of these challenges in the context of social networking and its impact on the
young generation. In today's digital age, where the internet is an integral part of our daily
lives, social networking has emerged as a dominant force, reshaping how we
communicate, connect, and share information. The prevalence of social networking
platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter, has made them
indispensable tools for today's youth. These social networking platforms have opened up
entirely new avenues for young people to stay connected with their friends and peers.
Unlike in the past, where physical proximity or phone calls were the primary means of
communication, these platforms offer a virtual space where friendships can thrive and
evolve. Through features like instant messaging, video calls, and real-time status updates,
they can maintain near-constant contact with friends regardless of geographical distances.
This connectivity brings a sense of closeness and immediacy that previous generations
could hardly imagine.Yet, as technology integrates further into the fabric of our lives, it
becomes increasingly vital for the younger generation to be aware of the potential pitfalls
that accompany these innovations. While social networking offers various benefits,
including facilitating communication and self-expression, it also presents inherent risks
that can significantly impact the well-being of the younger generation. As they navigate
the digital landscape, they find themselves at a crossroads, where the choices they make
regarding their online interactions can shape their futures. According to a recent
assessment, the prevalence of severe problematic internet usage or internet addiction
varies from 0% to 47.4%. Additionally, the prevalence of excessive internet use or
potential internet addiction ranges from 7.4% to 46.4% among students hailing from
Southeast Asia (Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021). As a result, this essay delves into

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the diverse risks young people encounter in social networking, which include
cyberbullying, privacy breaches, and mental health implications.

Cyberbullying poses significant risks to the well-being of individuals in the digital

age, as it has evolved into a distinct and pervasive form of online harassment with the
growth of social media and user-generated content platforms. The anonymity afforded
by the digital world emboldens perpetratos to commit acts of cruelty they might not dare
to do in person, exacerbating the psychological distress suffered by victims. Byron (2008)
stated that “The nature of bullying changes when online, making it anonymous and
potentially more damaging, the rise of social network sites and user-generated content
has the potential to increase the extent to which the internet is a factor in bullying”.
Specifically, cyberbullying’s effect is boosted by the rapid advancement of social
networking sites as well as user-generated cotent platforms, which extends its reach to a
wide range of audiences and causing longer-lasting consequences on victims. This shift
in the nature of bullying online places an emphasize on the importance of recognizing
and addressing these unique obstacless in the digital era. As a result, this phenomenon
has adverse effects on the younger’s well-being. According to 2005 ChildLine’s survey
(Tim Davies and Pete Cranston): “11 percent of calls to ChildLine about bullying in
2003/4 identified the internet as a factor in their case”. The findings on cyberbullying
records the early acknowledgement of the internet’s contribution to bullying behavior,
shedding light on the growing concern surrounding online harassement. Moreover, the
200 National Bullying Survey (Byron, 2008) unveils an alarming truth, declaring that “69
percent of young people had to be bullied”. Remarkably, despite the ubiquity of bullying
in various forms, it is crucial to note that the influence of internet technologies and text
messaging was a factor in only 7 percent of these cases. Despite the prevelance of
cyberbullying, it remains one facet of the overall buyllying landscape. These data
collectively highlight the multifaceted nature of bullying and its implications for the
health of our younger generation. Consequently, the undeniable and significant risks such

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as increased stress, acting out violently, and low self-esteem, posing to the well-being of
individuals, especially the younger generation, are unquestionable. In light of this, it is
imperative to recognize that addressing these formidable challenges is of paramount
importance, as doing so will not only contribute to the creation of a safer online
environment but also underscore the significance of prioritizing the psychological and
emotional well-being of individuals in the digital age.

Social networking also amplifies the risks associated with privacy and sharing
personal information online, making them of paramount concern in today's digital
landscapes. The internet has transformed how we connect, share, and interact, but this
transformation has brought with it a set of challenges that demand our immediate
attention. One of the contributing factors to the risks associated with privacy breaches is
inadequate internet literacy. Many individuals, particularly young people, may not fully
comprehend the potential consequences of sharing personal information online.
Livingstone (2008) explained that” Young people may not be aware of their privacy
settings on social media sites and could therefore be unaware that what they decide to
share on their social media is not just shared with their friends but also with the
public”.In fact, Young people often overlook their social media privacy settings, leading
them to unintentional disclosures of personal information, which can fully grasp the
potential consequences. As a result, when individuals present themselves in an overly
trusting or uninformed manner online, they inadvertently invite potential threats. The
assumption that digital interactions mirror real-life interactions can make them more
susceptible to scams, fraud, and privacy violations. Moreover, in the context of social
networking and the inherent risks associated with sharing personal information online, it's
crucial to acknowledge the covert danger of online grooming. This malicious activity
preys on the vulnerability of individuals, particularly young people who may not fully
comprehend the potential consequences of their actions in the digital space. As Amy C.
Wood1 and Jacqueline M. Wheatcroft (2012) stated “ the criminal activity of becoming

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friends with a child, especially over the internet, to try to persuade the child to have a
sexual relationship”. The advancement of technology has created new opportunities for
sexual predators, particularly when it comes to engaging with unsuspecting children. The
vast information available on the internet, coupled with the evolution of social media
platforms, has made it easier for individuals with malicious intentions to attempt to
"groom" children, which in turn increases the risk of sexual exploitation. Child sexual
exploitation involves exploiting children for financial gain, power, or status. According to
Amy C. Wood1 and Jacqueline M. Wheatcroft (2012) “The researchers state there are
three stages to online grooming: (a) rapport building, (b) sexual content, and (c)
assessment.” Specifically, Groomers initially build trust, often posing as trustworthy
figures, while concealing their true motives. Once trust is established, they introduce
sexual content, using explicit messages or images to desensitize victims. The final and
most perilous stage involves attempting to meet the victim in person, posing risks of
physical harm and exploitation. In the ever-evolving digital landscape, the heightened
risks to privacy, the dangers of online grooming, and the potential for exploitation
demand continuous vigilance and education to safeguard individuals, especially the
vulnerable youth, as they navigate the complexities of the virtual world.

The risks to mental health stemming from digital technology and social media
usage are increasingly apparent and concerning. “Excessive internet use, particularly
among young individuals, has been identified as a significant factor contributing to
mental health issues, with a particular focus on depression” as noted by Lawrence T.
Lam, PhD; Zi-Wen Peng, MSc (2010). To further emphasize this point, a problematic
behavior associated with internet usage has exhibited symptoms similar to other
established addictions since the mid-1990s. Lawrence T.Lam, Phd; Zi-Wen Peng, Msc
(2010) mentioned that Studies conducted in Taiwan and China have observed a rising
trend in the occurrence of this phenomenon among adolescents, with figures climbing
from approximately 6% in 2000 to about 11% in 2004. Findings have indicated that

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individuals who excessively utilize the Internet tend to be predominantly young men with
introverted personalities. Nonetheless, there is an emerging pattern of heightened
prevalence among girls. Over recent years, as the Internet has become increasingly
accessible across most Asian countries, pathological internet use has emerged as a
growing concern for the mental health of adolescents. As a result, that phenomenon has
been bringing about various health concerns with regard to pathological use of the
Internet, such as depression and anxiety. In the prospective study 15 (2007) by Ko et al, it
was further reported that
“Depression and social phobia are found to be predictive of pathological use of the
Internet in a 2-year follow-up. These results suggest that depression and anxiety may
be important factors in the causal pathway of the pathological use of the Internet
among adolescents.”
Given the significant interplay between depression, anxiety, and the development of
pathological internet usage, it becomes crucial to investigate the effects of excessive
internet usage on the mental well-being of adolescents. To achieve this, an optimal
research approach would entail the execution of a cohort study with a "noncase"
population. In essence, this approach would involve the careful tracking of a group of
young individuals who, at the outset, do not display symptoms of depression or anxiety
but exhibit varying degrees of internet use. The primary aim would be to assess their
mental health outcomes at the conclusion of the follow-up period. The impact on mental
health encompasses a range of conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, and
stress. Research has highlighted the association between pathological internet use and the
increased likelihood of experiencing depression. For instance, as stated by Lawrence T.
Lam, PhD; Zi-Wen Peng, MSc (2010), “students with pathological internet use were
found to be over two times more likely to experience depression at the 9-month follow-up
compared to those without such behaviors”. These findings underscore the pressing
concern surrounding the mental well-being of individuals in the digital age. Given the
growing recognition of the mental health risks associated with excessive internet use, it is

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essential to emphasize the urgency of these issues. By acknowledging the significance of

these challenges, we can pave the way for a safer online environment and a greater
commitment to safeguarding the psychological and emotional well-being of individuals
in the digital age.

To sum up, this essay has explored the myriad hazards that the younger generation
faces within the realm of social networking, encompassing cyberbullying, privacy
violations, and the potential impact on mental well-being.We revisit the idea that
technology improves lives when it is harnessed wisely. The influence of social
networking on the younger generation is profound, offering opportunities for connection
and expression.However, this influence also carries significant risks, and it is our
responsibility to address them. Joe Biden, President of the United State (2011) stated that
"Cyberbullying is not just a virtual problem; it has real-world consequences." The impact
of these risks can be profound, affecting the psychological and emotional well-being of
the younger generation. As we've seen, the multifaceted nature of cyberbullying, privacy
violations, and potential mental health implications necessitates a multifaceted response.
Furthermore, Edward Snowden, a former NSA contractor (2013) said that "Social media
platforms gather extensive information about their users, and their responsible use of this
data is not always guaranteed." This perception underscores the broader concerns girding
data privacy and the responsible operation of user data within the digital geography.
Privacy breaches are another pressing concern because inadequate internet literacy can
lead individuals, especially young people, to underestimate the consequences of sharing
personal information online. The digital world may seem a mirror of real life, but it
harbors hidden dangers. Online grooming poses a unique threat, targeting young and
unsuspecting individuals, potentially leading to sexual exploitation. The digital age
demands our vigilance and education to safeguard the most vulnerable in our society. As
a result, to navigate these challenges, it is imperative that we emphasize education and
awareness. Parents, educators, and policymakers must collaborate to develop programs

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and guidelines that educate young people about the potential risks and equip them with
the tools to protect themselves. Internet literacy should be integrated into curricula, and
online safety should be part of the broader conversation about well-being. As we move
forward into an increasingly digital future, we must ensure that the advantages of
technology do not come at the cost of our youth's well-being. It is only through a
collective effort to educate, raise awareness, and develop safeguards that we can create a
safer digital world for the younger generation.

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REFERENCES
Davies, T., & Cranston, P. (2008). Youth Work and Social Networking. The National
Youth Agency, (pp. 49-16). Retrieved from https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu

Livingstone, S., Haddon, L., Görzig, A., and Ólafsson, K. (2011). Risks and safety on the
internet: The perspective of European children. Full Findings. LSE, London: EU
Kids Online, Retrieved from https://www.safenet.bg/EUKidsOnline-full.pdf

Lam, L. T., & Peng, Z.-W. (2010). Effect of Pathological Use of the Internet on
Adolescent Mental Health. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, (pp. 1-
2, 6). Retrieved from https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/articlepdf

Livingstone, S., Haddon, L., Görzig, A., & Ólafsson, K. (2012). Risks and safety on the
internet. EU Kids Online, (pp.11, 23, 29, 164). Retrieved from
https://www.safenet.bg/EUKidsOnline-full.pdf

Finkelhor, D. (2011). The Internet, Youth Safety and the Problem of “Juvenoia” p. 32.
University of New Hampshire, Crimes against Children Research Center, (pp. 2-
5). Retrieved from https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document

Marquez, M., & Karling, N. J. (2022). Impact of Social Media on Mental Health: A Look
At Cohort Differences. University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado, (pp.
29-41). Retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/ImpactofSocialMediaonMentalHealthAL
ookatCohortDifferences

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Wood, A. C., & Wheatcroft, J. M. (2020). Young Adult Perceptions of Internet

Communications and the Grooming Concept. Retrieved from
https://journals.sagepub.com

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