The Implications of Social Networking

This blog is about the many implications that arise when using social networks. The concept of networking has been previously discussed but in a different view. Using social networks has changed the same people communicate with one another and has changes the way business is conducted. People all around the world who have access to the Internet typically use more then one social networks, whether it be Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and many others. These sites are used to communicate with others around the world, create profiles, share photos, and spend hours catching up on what their ‘friends’ are doing during their days (Kelleher, 2009).

These networks have affected the business place negatively due to the numerous amount of time individuals spend on the Internet. Working people usually have access to a computer, their cell phones or other technology that allows them to access social networks, taking time away from the work they are supposed to be doing to complete their business job. David Kelleher (2009) discusses several concerns that the social networks bring to the workplace because of people’s misuse of these sources. One main concern that has been brought to my attention is the possibility for business information to be hacked into when social networks are accessed at the workplace. Many people do not use the Privacy Settings on social media networks appropriately and do not protect themselves from allowing others to get onto their accounts and obtain information. Once these people who do not have activated privacy settings log on to their social networking accounts at work, hackers can easily infect computers with malicious software to collect any desired software. This negatively impacts a business as it can give away information that is not for the public eye.

Aside from the security issues associated with social networking, they also conflict with the productivity of the business. People spend hours upon hours on social media sites during the day, no matter if they are at work or not which impacts the business in a negative way. If some employees do not work as hard as others and spend time on social networks, it creates a negative working environment since the productivity of the business affects all. The following images illustrates several issues with social networking in the workplace. 

This is why it is ultimately imperative that businesses set rules and regulations around the idea of using social networking when at the workplace. Networking may have positive aspects, but that all depends on where these networks are being used.   

References

Kelleher, D. (2009, October 1). 5 problems with social networking in the workplace. Retrieved from http://www.information-management.com/specialreports/2009_165/social_networking_media-10016208-1.html