Critical Review of Pros and Cons of Social Networking Sites prepared by Kaitlyn and Nicole

1. We agree that social networking sites is overwhelming and addictive.

2. There is a wide-ranging of activities on social networking sites,such as chit-chatting with friends, sharing informations and even playing online games. Addicted users tend to prioritise their time on these activities instead of their tasks. Sometimes addiction also leads to unfortunate accidents that are unpredictable when the users are too occupied with the social network. Besides that, when a person joins several social network, the person may obtain different versions of information about a topic and cause overwhelming confusion.

2.1. According to Hollenhorst, J&Page, J (2011), three girls were taking pictures on the railroad tracks and one of them uploaded the pictures to her Facebook page. After that, three of them were hit by a train and caused two of the girls to die while one was critically injured. This accident was caused by the addiction of the girls to getting attention from other users on social network.

2.1.1. In The Sun (30 March 2018), it was reported that "Over 86,000 registered fishermen in the country have been cautioned against receiving and spreading unverified information on the social media."The fishermen seem to be confused by different information from different sources on social network. The Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) chairman, Datuk Seri Dr Irmohizam Ibrahim also said that the spreading of false news through social networking sites such as Whatsapp, Facebook and Twitter could tarnish the reputation of fishermen.

3. We disagree that social network can get people out of jail.

4. There was a misunderstanding between James Karl Buck and the police officers. Actually he did not took part in the protest, but he was accused of being one of the protester. Futhermore, he is mainly released due to his network connection as an American instead of the Twitter post. His friends who cared about him genuinely got him out of jail by spreading the news of him got arrested. Eventually, his college hired him a lawyer to settle his case.

4.1. According to Mullins KJ(2008), James was concerned about getting arrested, so he distance himself from the protest so there was no way he could be accused of being part of it. When James and Maree tried to escape, they were arrested.Buck and Maree were questioned, released and then detained again by the same police officers.

4.2. Simon M.(2008) reported that the Twitter message assisted him to find contacts to get out of prison, he says it was more the power of the network he had as an American that allowed him to be released so fast. James' entry set off a series of events that led to his college employing a lawyer on his behalf.

5. Conclusion

5.1. In conclusion, social networking sites have more boon than bane. However, it can cause huge problems if people misused it. In order to ensure social media users utilise the social networking sites correctly, government should strictly enforce cyber laws and regulations.

5.2. All in all, we concur that social media creates bonds between people; it is also overwhelming and addictive. We oppose that social media can get people out of prison.

6. The article entitled "What are the pros and cons of social networking sites?" written by Strickland, J reports on pros and cons of social networking sites

6.1. Pros

6.2. Social networking sites make connections between users.

6.3. It allows users to network professionally .

6.4. It makes organising an event and sending invitations easier.

6.5. Users can advertise an artiste's or actor's work.

6.6. It may also release a person from jail.

6.7. Cons

6.8. Social networking sites make identity theft more simple.

6.9. Some users use it to scam people into downloading malicious software (malware).

6.10. It is overwhelming and addictive.

7. We agree that social networking sites create connections between users.

8. This is because it is easier to keep in touch with family and friends with the existence of these sites nowadays compared to the old days. Next, interests and thoughts can be shared and exchanged among friends to strengthen their relationship.

8.1. Ellison N.B. ,Steinfield C. & Lampe C. (2007) stated that "Online SNSs support both the maintenance of existing social ties and the formation of new connections."

8.2. Futhermore, social network connects people of different religions and locations. People use social network to learn and share their thoughts. (Bilal Ahmad, 2016)

9. References

9.1. 1. Bilal Ahmad, 2016, 10 advantages and disadvantages of social media for society. Retrieved April 17, 2018, from https://www.techmaish.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-social-media-for-society/

9.2. 2. Ellison N.B, Steinfield C, Lampe C. 2007 The Benefits of Facebook “Friends:” Social Capital and College Students’ Use of Online Social Network Sites, Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication. Vol 12. Issue 4, Pg 1143–1168, retrieved April 17, 2018, from https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1083-6101.2007.00367.x

9.3. 3. Hollenhorst, J, Page, J, 2011, "Utah County community mourns loss of teenagers hit by train". Deseret News. Retrieved April 17, 2018, from https://www.deseretnews.com/article/705392623/Utah-County-community-mourns-loss-of-teenagers-hit-by-train.html

9.4. 4. Mullins KJ, 2008, Twitter Helps Free Arrested Blogger James Karl Buck. Digital Journal. Retrieved April 26, 2018, from http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/253845

9.5. 5. Simon M, 2008, Student 'Twitters' his way out of Egyptian jail, CNN. Retrieved April 26, 2018, from http://edition.cnn.com/2008/TECH/04/25/twitter.buck/index.html