Abstract

IS CYBERSPACE A BOON OR A SOURCE OF INSECURITY IN THE PRESENT WORLD: AN ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES AND THE YOUTH

Esha Bhattacharya Chatterjee

Volume: 6 Issue: 4 2016

Abstract:

One of the major changes which has taken place in the 21st century is the onset, and consequent, popularity of the ICTs (Information and Communication Technologies). Of all the ICTs, the Internet has been highly influential in the everyday life of the people, especially the youth, because this virtual world has opened up a vast new arena for them. The Social Networking Sites (SNSs), which comprise of one of the major elements of cyberspace, has been pivotal in shaping the life of the youth in many ways. In recent times, the SNSs not only enable people to maintain regular contacts but has, in fact, strengthened the existing bonds which otherwise would have weakened in this fast pace of today‟s life. However there is another darker side to it too which often goes unnoticed by the users. The uncertainty of identity of people in this cyberspace, apprehension of theft of personal information by stalkers or „hackers‟ or its misuse, has generated a feeling of „insecurity‟ or „risk‟ in the minds of youth. This paper attempts to look at, and provide sociological explanations to, this „janus-faced‟ nature of cyberspace by highlighting how the SNSs act as a boon and simultaneously is generating feelings of lack of trust and „insecurity‟ in the minds of today‟s youth of India.

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