The ups and downs of using social networking sites

This week we looked at how businesses promote products and sales using social media sites and the dangers associated with using any social networking sites.

Social media for businesses

A lot of businesses are turning to social media sites to promote their products to potential buyers. They see it as a way to broaden their clientele and to get the company name out there more than it already is.  It lets their buyers discuss and review their products online with others and improve with any feedback given.  They can also let you know if they’re having a sale or if they’ve brought in new products or new stock.

Part of our assignment this week, was to look at how Qantas used social media sites to promote their business.  Qantas have accounts in Facebook, twitter, instagram and even Youtube.  When I had a look at these accounts, I noticed they told you a lot about what was going on inside their company as well as promoting flight sales to destinations all around the world.   They always use those social media accounts to respond to any speculations or rumours that might be circling around in the air, and post things about their achievements like being the post punctual major domestic airline in 2013.

It shows in the way they respond to people messages that they care about their passages.  They also use their Youtube account to take you behind the scenes of Qantas and show you how they load the luggage on board and show you inside the aircraft which I found extremely interesting.

 

 

The dangers of social networking

We watched a short video clip called ‘Cyber bullying – solutions for parents.’ It was a clip based on a teenage boy who is filming himself talking about being bullied at school and cyber bullied by people who were his friends before the bullying.  It was very emotional and you aren’t sure which way it’s going to go when it gets closer to the end.  When his mother watches the video, she talks to the school about what is happening. It is a nice ending to what could have easily been a not so great one.

The best way to describe cyber bullying for those who don’t know, is when you cause harm to someone using mobile phones, email or social media sites by posting hurtful messages, harassing, threatening or embarrassing another person.  The difference between bullying and cyber bullying is that usually when school ends for the day, the bullying stops, but for kids who are being cyber bullied, there is no escape.

Studies have shown that 90% of teenagers have seen bullying occur on social media sites, and done nothing about it.  I think this is terrible and makes me wonder why they wouldn’t intervene.   Is it because they’re scared that they bully will turn on then and begin to cyber bully them?  Or is it because they don’t care?  All these questions are going around and around inside my head trying to work out the answer.

 A few other dangers associated with social networking sites are;

Ø  Sexting – Remember, internet is forever and if you sent inappropriate photos, they will always be there.

Ø  People who put too much information on their accounts. People use this information to steal your identity or commit a crime such as stalking or thievery.

Ø  People posing as someone they aren’t. This could turn out to be a 40 year old when really, you think they’re 17.  But you would never know.

Ø  It is becoming increasing common for potential employers to check your Facebook or twitter account and may base their final decision on what they see there.   Do not post anything online that you wouldn’t want your employer to see.

Ø  Online dating – could turn out to be a hoax.