Although there are many positive aspects of internet and social media, there are also risks. Some of it are:

Pornography - It is one of the most ignominious uses of the internet as it has made it a child’s play to access pornographic stuff. Exposure of such stuff to minors has a negative influence on their young minds. Their minds are not in one’s prime. Instead of understanding the importance of sexual intercourse, watching porn at such an age creates a wrong impression of it in their minds and they are unable to value its purity, and this is the reason why teenagers indulge in emotionally unhealthy relationships causing severe problems like teenage pregnancies and emotional abuse.

Cyberbullying - People use the internet as a platform for fulfilling their evil desires and to hurt others. In other words, they use the Internet to harass and embarrass people. It’s done on purpose and is usually ongoing.Today, people use social media, texting and email to talk to their friends. This means cyberbullying can happen easily. Cruel messages or unflattering photos can be sent to everyone with just one click.

Identity Theft - Do you hold an account on any social website or ever posted an ad on any of these “Buy and Sell” websites? You might be completely heedless to the fact that the “Oh so long friend list” can fetch you a lot of trouble in many ways. You can’t judge whether everyone you add to your list is a genuine account holder or just a fake id. It is an easy platform through which criminals using malware can have all our personal information delivered to them at the wink of their eye and we are just helpless. This information can be used anywhere in any format. The pictures that we post can be squandered in multiple ways like being posted on porn sites and fake advertising sites.

    The internet and social media has indeed become such a powerful tool. But, don't forget that we are the ones who operate it. We might have freedom to do whatever we want using the internet, but we must remind ourselves to be mindful and responsible enough with it. Cliché as it may be, but “think before you click” is the real solution. Before doing anything, reflect upon the decisions you will do and how it may affect others. Also, be aware, be educated, and be sensitive. One good thing about the Internet is that it helps promote free speech. But like all freedoms, this should be exercised responsibly. And this sense of responsibility should be borne by us, the users. Again, think. Rethink. Together, let us build a healthier, gentler, more loving, and constructive online world.