Seniors who may live alone, or may live far away from loved ones and close friends can benefit immensely from using social networking sites. These social networking sites may offer a welcome connection to the outside world for seniors who may not be able to get out as much as they would like. Social websites may be intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be surfing the web in no time, with the proficiency of any teenager on your block. The first thing you must do is to get over your fear of computers and social networking sites and dive right in.
Social networking sites can be great places to meet people, keep in contact with friends and family, share pictures and videos, even to make new friends all over the world. The first thing you'll want to do is to spend some time on your computer, perhaps looking up interesting things in Google, to get a feel for your computer. Many senior citizens after a few weeks become more proficient at using the computer than any teenager or young adult, because of their extensive life experience and high knowledge levels.
Many senior citizens may feel certain apprehensions about using social networking sites due to a multitude of reasons. The truth is that the senior citizen age group is one of the fastest growing demographics on social networking sites, as more networking sites are starting to cater to an older, more sophisticated generation. Popular sites like Facebook and Myspace have gone to great lengths to make their sites more accessible to senior citizens, as well as giving them more features specifically designed to an older demographic.
Social networking is not for kids anymore, just ask the Agewell Foundation who has recently announced plans to launch InteractWell, a social networking site specifically designed for senior citizens. Not only is it a place for seniors to come together and interact, but a place for them to share their views regarding life experiences, all across the globe. Sites like these offer senior citizens a way to interact with other seniors who may feel as apprehensive about social networking as they do. It is a great place to meet other seniors who have similar interests, not to mention contact lost friends and family that may have grown out of touch. With the support of other seniors learning to use social networking sites for the first time, it will help ease your mind about using these sites and open you up to a whole new world of interaction and communication.
Most social networks are free and only require an email address and password. Once you go to the site and set up your free account you're ready to upload pictures and start making friends as soon as possible. You can set up your profile to express yourself in any way you see fit, and interact with people from all over the world, with the same passion and zest for life as you have. All you have to do is sign up and sign on, and you'll be an expert in social networking in no time.
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Can Social Networking Sites be Harmful?
Social networking sites are a great way to catch up with old friends and meet new interesting people. In fact, they also promote literacy skills, knowledge sharing, and social skills. But can they be dangerous?
Here are a few recent cases related to social networking sites (names have been changed to protect people's identity):
* Cases have been reported in the UK and US of 'sexual predators' posing as teenagers and trying to solicit young children and teenagers.
* Janaki was happy that her eleven-year-old daughter was using the computer often. However, she was horrified to see her daughter posting inappropriate photos on her profile on a popular social networking site.
* Fayaz, a teenager, was shocked when the police came to his house one day. An acquaintance from his college had filed a complaint. Apparently, someone had sent obscene messages to his acquaintance using his account and password.
* Anita, the daughter of a school teacher, logged on to a social networking site. What she saw really hurt her. Few of her father's students had created a forum on the site. Some of the posts used obscene language to describe him and his family.
As you can see, social networking sites can be potentially damaging if not properly handled. As a parent, how do you protect your child from untoward incidents?
What Your Child Needs to Know
You may not always be able to prevent your child from using these sites. However, it is necessary to educate him on correct practices to follow while using these sites.
Privacy and Safety
Some social networking sites promote privacy while some allow anyone with internet access to view personal pictures and profile information of other people. It is important that you recognise safe, good quality sites where your child's personal information cannot be misused. Explain the possible risks of using a social networking site. Encourage your child to:
* Never reveal addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, passwords, or any bit of personal information. People with malicious intent can misuse such information to trace your child.
* Never add a stranger as a friend or share personal information with him. In the past, paedophiles have used social networking sites to target young unsuspecting children.
* Avoid meeting someone who is just an online contact in person. If your child is planning to meet someone he met online, ensure that it happens under your supervision, at least for the first few times. Find out more about the person's background. Ask yourself, is he the same age as your child? What does he do?
* Never upload his picture unless he is sure that only his friends can view his photo and personal information. Posting one's name, photos, and location makes it easy for someone to locate the person.
* Never click any links that come from strangers in messages or emails. More often, such links turn out to be promotions of websites, especially pornography. In rare cases, the link may be a virus or malicious program. Such programs can be used to track every website you visit, what text you type, etc.
Netiquette
Just as in the real world, we need to maintain a basic set of manners in the online world. Here are some tips that you should share with your children:
* Never use abusive, sexually explicit, or inappropriate language in an online forum, email, message, or profile. Denigrating other religions, people, and races should be avoided.
* Never post inappropriate images that show nudity, personal information, blood, and violence in albums or as a profile picture.
* Never use social networking sites to spread rumours, chain mails, and unconfirmed stories that can potentially damage someone's life or career.
What You Can Do
* Encourage your child to speak openly about his experiences and problems.
* Install software that can control access to objectionable sites, especially if your child is below 13. Net Nanny is an example.
* Encourage your child to share his profile link with you. Remember, many children have multiple accounts on different social networking websites.
* Monitor his profiles regularly. At the same time, respect his privacy. For example, do not send him messages that his friends can read. Your son may find it embarrassing.
* Do not force your child to avoid such sites. Your child will soon find other ways to access these sites.
Social networking websites have their advantages and drawbacks. You may not always be able to protect your child from untoward incidents. What is important is to help him think critically for himself.
Both Jonathan Boyd & Indiaparenting are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jonathan Boyd has sinced written about articles on various topics from Network Marketing, Management. Jonathan Boyd has written countless articles for Meeting Wave, a free website to offline, for social or business networking. Check out the MW blog at. Jonathan Boyd's top article generates over 1900 views. to your Favourites.
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