Final one...

“When web 2.0 sneezes... everyone gets sick” is the title of the article that I decided to finish researching social networking on. The article discusses the problem that yes web 2.0 and all social networking sites have grown in popularity over the years but also that so has the number of crimes occurred via those sites. “So why are Web 2.0 attacks on the rise? It all comes down to economies of scale and effectiveness: cybercriminals will always go where the crowds are.” [4] All different problems have occurred such as viruses and worms that send to all your friends and infect their accounts at the same time. Selling passwords and private details are on the rise but why is this happening and how can we protect ourselves? Simple hard passwords and anti-virus software but even then there is a chance you can no longer be safe. Although web 2.0 is extremely popular and social networking taking the world by storm, there appears to be numerous problems to this growing attraction with only a few minor benefits. But even though I have come to this conclusion I would also believe that if you know how to protect yourself online then there is no problem with using such sites.

Nurses? What next?

For my topic I wanted to look into different areas of social networking and who it does affect, I found this journal article on how social networking can affect nurses. I found it quite interesting, although short it has I believe a powerful impact on you, I never thought that social networking sites could be such a problem for nurses. The author Linda Keech was quoted saying

“Nurses and midwives who use these sites to engage in conversations or share files online must be careful, therefore, that they do not breach the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NM C) (2008a) code, which states that nurses must ‘respect people’s right to confidentiality’ and ‘uphold the reputation of the profession at all times’. If information that identifies patients is put on the internet, patient confidentiality has been breached. This principle is not only enshrined in the midwives’ code of conduct, but is also part of every employee’s duty of confidence, and those who breach patient confidentiality in this way face disciplinary action, perhaps leading to dismissal.” [3]

It’s hard not hard to believe that anyone hasn’t done the same thing, whinges about work or had a issue that they have at work, they published on their facebook account. But just like teachers, nurses also have to be careful about their reputations and careers. So in the end is it just safer to not have a social networking page? Evidence suggests that it would be, but some are fighting this as they feel that just because you have a career in the public eye doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to have the benefits of socialising on Facebook or MySpace just like every other person that doesn’t have that problem.

Friendship? Friend Request?

So I found this journal article that relates solely on the positives of social networking, it’s called How to Win at Social Networking by communications scholar Jeffery Hancock, who believes “Cyberspace friendships form over common interests just as they do in real life.” [2] Without the use of social networking sites it’s harder for some to find common interests, with having a social page it makes it easier to find those common interests because they are listed for your taking to do with what you need. Social networking can have a positive influence in your life, yes you must be careful but this article demonstrates that it can be fun and can lead into more powerful things like love or a great friendship. With greater research it has been found that emotions can be travelled along social networking sites that you don’t have to constantly be in front of a person to display this. Some may fear that this is fallback and will limit face to face contact and more time in front of a computer. This article shows that there are positives to social networking you just may not have realised it yet.

Domestic Violence?....

Today I found another article that highlighted the issue that I am researching on social networking that included both positives and negatives. The article is titled “Friend Request or Foe? Confirming the misuse of internet and social networking sites by domestic violence perpetrators” it was written by Laurie L. Baughman who is a senior attorney at the Pennsylvania Coalition against Domestic Violence. The article describes situations that have resulted, from domestic violence and victims, and perpetrators and the use of social networking sites, such as FaceBook and MySpace. The problems included victims that continued the use of their “personal sites” i.e. FaceBook accounts, twitter and MySpace etc, and the person responsible for hurting them continuing to lay abuse on them via their social web pages. Other prominent problems that have been highlighted are that perpetrators are finding their victims and in some instances confrontations ending in death. Although the article has a main focus on negatives of social networking and victims, it also has a small part dedicated to what some of the positives that social networking has with victims. It has been discovered that more and more victims are becoming involved into online support groups and finding help through that way. Overall I found this article as a powerful force; I never knew all the things that could go wrong with social networking and victims of domestic violence, makes you want to be more careful on the internet.

I Gave Up MySpace for Lent.....

For my second topic for my research journal I have decided to focus on online social networking. This topic is very broad, and so I’ve decided to narrow my research down to just a few key elements of what are some of the negatives and benefits of social networking. My first resource is the journal article “I gave up MySpace for Lent: New Teachers and Social Networking Sites” By William Kist a teacher at Kent State University, Kent, Ohio. The article presents a negative approach to social networking, but also has a way that we could fix it or to also to have a way to better protect ourselves from these problems occurring. It also shows how society is applying pressure to teachers to remove their social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace in case a student finds their site and it has material deemed inappropriate and could have a serious impact on ones career. “Principles are googling for information on undergrads before they are allowed into their buildings for student teaching.” [1] This implies that this is just the beginning of what is too come with future implications on teachers and their use of web 2.0. Soon all teachers will be forced to remove themselves from social networking sites and this article presents evidence that this is just the beginning that more changes and problems will occur from online social networking.

3rd Entry... Doesn't look good..

Stopping the violence....

This news report was aired on Tuesday the 16th by A Current Affair, the report showed a horrific video of a schoolyard fight, where a bunch of girls were attacking one another. The video was caught on a by standers phone, with technology the ability to record and broadcast things off your phone on to YouTube has become an increasingly common. With the attack being a sign on bullying but with the added video recording and posting on sites such as YouTube and facebook, it has become a cyber bullying attack as well as a physical one.

“These days with technology, if you’re a bully you don’t even have to show your face,” said anti-bullying counsellor Susan Berne from the news report. Since airing of the show viewers have sent in several other brutal attacks. It’s just amazing that by standers would record and upload these attacks, its taking cyber bullying to another level with displaying physical bullying and cyber bullying all in one. With the media presenting it this way it appears that they are trying to show just what exactly is occurring on our streets and in our schools. This report has the feel that it is more for just raising awareness and not to try and change the world feel, unlike the ad prevention YouTube clip. It becomes obvious that it is more of an awareness report when the report ends with tips for both the parents and the victims of bullying.

Despite not really being a part of my research journal I've decided to still put in all the tips from the Anti-Bullying counsellor Susan Berne as someone may find it beneficial

Tips for parents:

· Always support your child — they must feel like you're on their side
· Tell the school — speak to someone with real authority
· If the matter isn't resolved, consider changing schools
· Research other schools' bullying policies … Will they take effective action?
· Get more information on building your child's self-esteem so they feel confident in their new environment

Tips for helping victims of bullying:

· Ignore / don't respond to bullies
· Keep evidence of the bullying
· Block contact with bullies as much as possible
· Importantly, tell someone — especially your parents and a trusted teacher
· Let your parents take action, even if it makes you feel a bit uncomfortable
· As much as possible, avoid situations where bullying could take place