The world is changing rapidly and as Anders S0rman-Nilsson says “Things aint the same way they use to be but they are exactly how they are suppose to be”. The rapid growth of social media and social networks has seen a massive shift in the way people communicate, do business and live their life. Social networking on the internet has allowed the world the shrink significantly and given everyone a microphone to broadcast their message to everyone.
A recent study in Britain shows that 38% of people using social media and networking sites like Twitter of Facebook post the details of their next holiday and getaway plans. People discuss and review high tech and high ticketed gadgets on these sites all the time. An insurance company has come forward and is warning people that potential burglars and thieves are trawling these sites for potential victims.
Every aspect of communication and social connectivity has been changed due to the emergence of social networking. I suppose it does make sense that there is also a change in criminal activity too. Insurance companies are looking to charge higher insurance premiums for those that are frequent users of social network sites. Their seemingly strange move and decision has not only stemmed from the willingness to people to discuss their personal activities on these sites but also the willingness of people t accept friend requests from strangers. Another recent study showed that 13% of random friend requests were accepted on Facebook and 92% of follow requests were allowed on Twitter.
People seem to be very willing to give up personal details and information such as mobile phone numbers and addresses. It s becoming increasingly easier for criminals to scope these social network sites, find people’s details and target them as their next victims. This is the new age equivalent to seeing someone flashing a gold watch and then robbing them. This is internet shopping for criminals.
I do agree that this is happening and criminals are using social network sites as a tool to target potential victims just like businesses and companies use it as a tool to increase leads and sales. They are the social networking mafia, befriending, engaging and then pouncing on unaware users. Businesses and companies can learn a thing or two from their smooth engagement within the network and their building of the community to eventually bring some one down and run awa with the riches. Effective criminals on social networking sites really understand how they work and use it like pros in order to get the imformation they need and execute their flawless plans. Are you tweeting with a member of the social networking mafia now? lol
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- 5 Reasons to Use Social Networking
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- Twitter Warning by Tennis Authorities
- Power of Social Media
