Social Networking Pros and Cons

I guess if you are reading this either on my blog or on Facebook then you are probably already a convert.

There is a lot of social network bashing in the press and other traditional media, fuelled by the stupidity of premiership footballers tweeting, cyber bullies, trolls and the threat of identity theft. Undoubtedly, we should be careful what we publish and should be sensible in our privacy settings – remember that your mother and/or your employer might be reading…..But, I for one, am a fan.

I only use Facebook (for socializing with friends and family) and Linkedin (for networking with colleagues and business contacts) and Skype (for both). And, I find them a wonderful means of communicating with people who would be otherwise difficult to reach because of geography, time zone, or a busy lifestyle. I also think that they are a fantastic conduit for connecting with people about events such as the US elections, the Olympics, or more serious news events as they happen, wherever they happen, and, for engaging in worthwhile causes and campaigns.

They are also an excellent way for making someone you care about smile through a shared joke, experience or YouTube clip. Or, for extending a virtual arm around the shoulder or a hug in times of need, trouble or pain.

Only this week I connected with a friend that I had lost contact with over twenty years ago via Linkedin. Yesterday we spoke on the phone and it was as if the years just melted away.

Social networking – use it wisely and safely and as a force for good! See you in the ether.

Related articles

• Help or Harm: Social Networking (brokenrulesmagazine.com)

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