Social Networking: e-INTEGRITY In the light of the recent Safer Internet Day on the 10th of February the significance of social networking is clear. Networking has become one of the fastest and most effective ways of carrying out a range of activities. Many people are taking advantage of online meetings to make new friends, gather information, shop, or to improve business and schooling opportunities. It can often appear that everyone is a member of a social network. It may be your family or friends who are using spaces such as MySpace and Facebook or colleagues on LinkedIn. There is no doubt that networking is a hot topic which has steadily grown and created a burst of group dynamics and connections all over the world.

Like any other environment it needs to be maintained and fostered to flourish. Misuse of platforms risk the loss of invaluable information and a knowledge paradigm that may have harmful effects on others. Each individual contributes to the management of the internet simply by using it; whether it is for personal or professional use. Hence, the quality of information that comprises the internet depends on the reliability of those whom are active on it. British author Samuel Johnson highlights the significance of knowledge and integrity in the quote below:

“Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful”.

Today knowledge is an integral part of our daily lives. This is as a result of the Internet being the largest existing knowledge bank to date. It also represents an immeasurable part of our social continuity. The social aspect subjects us to personal integrity with a global responsibility. Therefore, diverse opportunities to social networking impose various consequences and the need for a corresponding approach to appreciate and address them.

Implications are vast and critical thinking should be encouraged in order to deal with the subsequent needs of the internet networking environment. Hence a straightforward strategy through the e-integrity motto sums up various issues raised parallel to social networking and measures that can be taken to cultivate a non-destructive and rewarding knowledge bank.

Endangered trust – an abundance of personal information is shared with a large number of people via the internet. Be aware of where you post personal information and about the consequences that this can have. Share as little information as possible. Delete inactive accounts. Avoid leaving personal information with strangers or on suspicious networks. Do not send personal information to unknown senders and always keep passwords a secret.

Information Pollution – risks contaminating the culture or personality of an individual. Unnecessary or irrelevant information may cloud the mind of users and create an illusion of accuracy. Avoid unreliable websites and information. Put a conscious effort into using trustworthy sources and keep away from inappropriate material.

Not-working as opposed to networking – The vast amount of information on the internet promotes the development of idle networking and surfing. Use networking constructively and appropriately. Avoid spending hours surfing sites that are of no real additional value. Remember to differentiate between idle and productive surfing.

Telecommunication and mobile internet – The internet has become part of our culture. Many users have their mobile phones or portable mini computers with them no matter where they are. Hence, it is our responsibility to maintain and foster the internet in response to an expanding internet culture. Share reliable information, communicate with respect and treat others as you would want to be treated yourself.

Environment and awareness – Social networks provide a virtual reality environment. An increasing part of our social beings are interacting by means of virtual reality. In fact, many young people use social networking sites as a means of experimenting with their identity. Through means of communication such as symbols or pictures, conversations, blogs and comments a cyber character always leaves data shadows behind. Be conscious of your online character and keep your integrity. Be aware of privacy policy and remember that webcams can be risky.

Grooming is often likely to be happen when communicating with anonymous users. Be attentive to individuals who may have ulterior motives in mind such as bullying or sexual intentions. Practice objectivity to biased information and to detect if users really are who they say they are or if they are pretending to be somebody else.

Risk of malicious behavior - do not open emails or attachments from unknown senders, use spam filters. Be attentive to browsing, file transfers and instant messaging. Avoid responding to unrelated pop-up windows and report illegal internet communication to appropriate authorities or available hotlines.

Illusion of accuracy and information fatigue - Distinguish between facts, propaganda and advertisements. Steer clear of paralyzing your analyzing capacity by constantly searching for more information.

Territorial mapping and network analysis – provides others with useful information about your activities. It leaves data shadows or a digital footprint of your internet activity behind and can be the source of potential bias. A growing rate of data surveillance makes the user vulnerable to endangered trust and misuse of personal data. Be pro-active in your internet behavior. Act with care and disclose as little information as possible. Remember that your digital footprint may be distorted by others. Share personal chats, blogs and text only with known users. Apply critical thinking. Differentiate what information is appropriate to share online and show integrity.

You make the difference. Contribute to the sustainable development of the largest communication platform through social networks. Let e- INTEGRITY be your motto!