While networking on the internet provides
instant access
to different groups and individuals, allowing us to interact with each other
regardless of
geologica
l location or timeframe
of availability, it also has some significant drawbacks.
First, it's not always safe to network online. The
interconnectivity
of social networking sites is one of its biggest
selling points
, but it also comes with a serious drawback. If you're not careful, you can
leave yourself open
to stalkers, cyberbullying and other forms of harassment, as unwelcome individuals make contact with you through the site.
Second, networking online can be
addictive
. If you allow it, social networking sites can completely consume your life. New friends requesting to be added, post updates, polls, games and links to countless different websites can turn a pleasant
diversion
into a significant
expenditure
of time. If left unchecked, this can create problems as “real” relationships suffer
for the sake of
virtual ones.