Pros: Why is social media good?

Social media and technology offer us greater convenience and connectivity:

● staying connected with family and friends worldwide via email, text, FaceTime, etc.

● quick access to information and research

● banking and bill pay at our fingertips

● online learning, job skills, content discovery (YouTube)

● involvement in civic engagement (fundraising, social awareness, provides a voice)

● great marketing tools

● opportunities for remote employment

Social media can be a good thing, but if teens ever feel uncomfortable about something
they see or read on social, they should trust their own feelings and talk to someone – a
parent, a teacher, or another trusted adult. Bullying, threats and cruelty on social media
are all signs that the person doing those things needs help.

Cons: Why is social media bad?

Along with the good comes the bad. With all of its benefits, the nature of social media
presents a range of potential issues.

● Online vs Reality. Social media itself is not the problem. It is the way people use it in

place of actual communication and in-person socializing. “Friends” on social media may

not actually be friends, and may even be strangers.

● Increased usage. The more time spent on social media can lead to cyberbullying, social

anxiety, depression, and exposure to content that is not age appropriate.

● Social Media is addicting. When you’re playing a game or accomplishing a task, you

seek to do it as well as you can. Once you succeed, your brain will give you a dose of

dopamine and other happiness hormones, making you happy. The same mechanism

functions when you post a picture to Instagram or Facebook. Once you see all the
 notifications for likes and positive comments popping up on your screen, you’ll

subconsciously register it as a reward. But that’s not all, social media is full of

mood-modifying experiences.

● Fear of Missing Out. FOMO has become a common theme, and often leads to continual

checking of social media sites. The idea that you might miss out on something if you’re

not online can affect your mental health.

● Self-image issues. Social media sites provide tools that allow people to earn others’

approval for their appearance and the possibility to compare themselves to others. It can

be associated with body image concerns. The “selfieholics” and people who spend most

of their time posting and scrolling are the ones most vulnerable to this. In fact, most

college girls who use Facebook at least five times a day are likely to link their self-worth

to their looks. That doesn’t mean that the main problem is social media; it only provides

a medium for it, which further elevates the problem. It also promotes the same sort of

behavior to others.

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of social media?

2. How has social media changed the way we communicate and interact with each
other?
3. What impact has social media had on our mental health and well-being?
4. Do you think social media has brought us closer together or pushed us further
apart?
5. What are some of the dangers associated with social media, such as
cyberbullying, online scams, and addiction?
6. How can we use social media in a more responsible and ethical way?
7. What role should social media companies play in regulating content on their
platforms?
8. Should social media be subject to government regulation? If so, what kind of
regulation would be appropriate?
9. How has social media influenced politics and elections?
10. What do you think the future of social media will look like?
Cybercrime: Protect Yourself in the Digital
World
In today's digital world, cybercrime is a growing threat to our personal information,
financial security, and online reputation. Cybercrime refers to any criminal activity that is
carried out using the internet, such as hacking, phishing, and identity theft.

The consequences of cybercrime can be severe, ranging from financial loss to

reputational damage and emotional distress. Therefore, it's important to take measures
to protect yourself online.

One of the most important things you can do to protect yourself from cybercrime is to
use strong passwords and keep them safe. Avoid using easy-to-guess passwords like
"password123" or your name and birthdate. Instead, use a mix of letters, numbers, and
symbols, and don't use the same password for multiple accounts. Also, never share your
passwords with anyone or write them down where others can see them.

Another important measure to take is to be cautious of suspicious emails or websites.

Don't click on links or download attachments from unknown sources, and be wary of
emails that ask for personal or financial information. Legitimate companies will never
ask you to provide sensitive information via email.

It's also important to keep your software up to date. This includes your operating
system, web browser, and antivirus software. Software updates often include security
patches that can protect you from vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit.

Finally, if you do become a victim of cybercrime, report it to the appropriate authorities.

This can include your bank, credit card company, or law enforcement agency. The faster
you act, the better your chances of minimizing the damage and recovering any losses.

In conclusion, cybercrime is a serious threat in the digital world, but there are steps you
can take to protect yourself. By using strong passwords, being cautious of suspicious
emails and websites, keeping your software up to date, and reporting any incidents, you
can reduce your risk of becoming a victim of cybercrime.
1. What is cybercrime, and what are some examples of cybercrime?
2. What are the consequences of cybercrime, both for individuals and society as a
whole?
3. How has cybercrime evolved over the years, and what are some of the new
threats we face today?
4. How can individuals protect themselves from cybercrime, such as by using
strong passwords and avoiding phishing scams?
5. What role do law enforcement agencies play in combating cybercrime, and what
are some of the challenges they face?
6. What kind of international cooperation is needed to combat cybercrime, and what
are some of the obstacles to such cooperation?
7. What ethical issues are raised by the use of hacking and other forms of
cybercrime for political or social purposes?
8. How can we balance the need for online security with the need for privacy and
freedom of speech?
9. What can governments and organizations do to prevent cybercrime, such as by
investing in cybersecurity measures and increasing public awareness of the
issue?
10. What do you think the future of cybercrime will look like, and how can we prepare
for it?