To avoid the dangers of social networks, people should limit their use of social media and the information they share online. Parents should also monitor their children's social media use. Only accepting friend requests from people you know can help protect your privacy. While social networks have risks if overused, they can also be enjoyed safely and help people stay connected when used sensibly and with caution.

1. WHAT CAN BE DONE TO AVOID THE DANGERS OF SOCIAL NETWORKS?<br />For the current years, you may consider Social networks such as Twitter, Facebook and My Space have become a facilitator to keep in touch with the people in your life; however it has also brought a negative impact to the society itself. Maybe, the major reason for this frightening fact is that some people overuse these popular pastimes. Another factor that contributes to the dangers has to do with the addiction people have on it, and as far as I am concerned, these social networks might damage your reputation and social life, put your safety at risk and affect your privacy consequently.<br />To begin with, one way to deal with this situation, would be for people to stop being as addictive to these social networks. This way, many would be less exposed to danger if they did not spend much time chatting and logging into their Facebook and Twitter accounts; furthermore they would have more time for working, studying and having great times with their family.<br />A useful suggestion for avoiding dangers caused by social networks is to be careful with the information you choose to share on your profile. The outcome of putting limits on posting your likes, job information, address, phone numbers, videos and photos would help you escape from the danger of people who take advantage of such information to steal or even commit crimes.<br />Moreover, this problem could be solved by paying special attention to how young people behave on line. Parents could control the use their children make of these networks by being attentive of what they chat with and telling them the several consequences this kind of networks can cause; being aware that today teenagers are the ones who suffer the most from the dangers; this way young people would be less likely to be victims and would not be influenced by any strange behavior.<br />Another solution which could help is to accept invitations just from people you know or at least their backgrounds, for instance: relatives and friends. If you follow this suggestion, the most likely to happen is that your privacy will not be affected, since your contacts are people who probably are not interest on harming you.<br />All things considered, it can be stated that social networks, if practiced safely and sensibly; could be a funny way to stay in touch with friends and family. If people take caution and keep informed, the possible dangers could be avoided, what is more, by making an appropriate use of them and not considering having no social networks accounts. Just imagine what today society would be like without them?<br />ACTIVITY<br /> <br />*ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS BASED ON WHAT YOU READ.<br />-What factors contribute to the dangers caused by social networks?<br />-Mention three ways to avoid the dangers of social network?<br />-Are social networks negative pastimes for the society? Why?<br />-Is it better not having any social network? <br />- What aspects are not advisable to post on your profile?<br />By: Andrea Rojas S.<br />