SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES

Social Networking Sites



Social Networking Sites

Introduction

The most commonly accepted definition of SNS, first proposed by boyd and Ellison, defines social network sites to mean 'web-based services that allow individuals to (1) construct a public or semi-public profile within a bounded system, (2) articulate a list of other users with whom they share a connection, and (3) view and traverse their list of connections and those made by others within the system' (Home Office UK, 2008, pp. 55).

Benefits and Risks of SNS

The response of the mainstream media and policy-makers to the rapid uptake in the use of SNS by children and young people has, like much commentary on the use of media by young people, focused mainly on the risks posed by the technology. For example, there have been many instances, reported by the media, of SNS being used to bully, mislead and even form suicide pacts. One prominent example was the media's use of photographs of Australian Olympic swimmer Stephanie Rice at a private party, which was used as a warning of the unforeseen risks of setting privacy settings of a SNS to allow public viewing. Considerable recent attention has also been given to the practice of children placing naked and explicit photos of themselves and their friends, or photos sent to them via mobile phones (termed 'sexting'), on sites such as Flickr.

While it is important to acknowledge the risks that may arise from young peoples' use of SNS, most experts have been concerned to point out that the potentially significant benefits that may arise from the use of networking technologies should not be overlooked. For example, in 2008, Professor Tanya Byron, a clinical psychologist, conducted an independent review of child online safety for the UK government. While acknowledging that there are real risks involved with children's use of online and digital media, the Byron Review found that over-emphasis on online risks played into a broader 'risk-averse' culture, which had the potential to hinder rather than promote child development. Endorsing the view emerging from the research that a certain amount of risk taking is essential for the healthy development of children and young people, the Review proposed an approach based on empowering children to manage risks rather than protecting them from all risks (Choo, 2009, pp. 123).

What are the Legal Risks?

Just as attention has focused on high-profile risks associated with the rise in use of SNS by young people, such as cyber-bullying, online grooming and sexting, consideration of specific legal risks has tended to focus mainly on potentially abusive interactions. For example, the UK government has established a Consultative Working Group on Cyber safety (CWG), which consists of representatives from industry, community organizations and Commonwealth government agencies, and whose role is to consider all aspects of cyber safety faced by European children. The CWG has indicated that the main focus of its work is on:

Cyber Bullying

Inappropriate handling of one's own and others' private information;

Exposure to and creation of inappropriate content;

Computer gaming addictions; and

Sexual predation

While the more dramatic threats ...