Over the past few years, it has been almost impossible for a month to pass without some major news story circulating on Facebook. These news stories paint the social media platform, its employees, as well as its executives in a negative light.
The social media giant is painted as a villain for a number of reasons. Many of these reasons are well-deserved, such as its role in the spread of propaganda and misinformation about elections not only in the US but also in other countries. Another reason is the company’s invasions of privacy, distributing user data to third-party platforms around the globe.
The aforementioned things did by Facebook are no doubt serious issues. However, it is equally important to understand why the social media giant is hated increasingly.
9 Reasons Why Facebook is a Bad Social Media Platform
There is no denying that Facebook has had a huge impact on social networking. In fact, it has even changed the way people socialize with each other. There is more than enough material on the platform to keep users engaged 24/7. And while it seems like a good thing, it also poses a significant risk — a risk to your privacy.
Right now, you might not be aware yet of the dangers that you are facing by making plenty of personal information available to your followers. But you will be surprised to find out that this is not the only bad thing about Facebook. Facebook likes are so valuable businesses buy them from various websites across the internet!
Below are some of the reasons why you need to be careful in using Facebook:
Privacy
When it comes to social media platforms, there is really no such thing as good privacy. Such is especially true on social media giants like Facebook. For this reason, you need to be careful about the things that you post as a status update and on other people’s walls. In addition, it would be extremely helpful if you will double-check your privacy settings. This way, you will see if you have information that you should not make available for the public. The reason is that other users and even third-party apps can take advantage of your private information.
Addictive
No one can deny that Facebook is one of the most addictive sites on the internet. It is so addictive that a number of schools reported that some of their students’ grades have gone down due to too much use of social networking sites, Facebook in particular.
Impact on career and personal life
Facebook users add their friends, family, and colleagues to their friends’ lists. That means they will be able to see everything that you share. If you make a negative comment about anyone or anything, they will be able to see it very easily. Such can be really harmful at one’s workplace. For instance, if you are looking for a new job and you posted about it, chances are your boss and colleagues will see it and ask about your plans.
Depending on the job you have, it might also cause trouble if your friend posts a picture of you drinking or attending a party. If you are working with young children in particular professional roles, such could be enough to put you in real trouble.
Unwanted Information
You would want your Facebook account to only contain information that you are interested in. However, there will surely be people who will constantly send you requests to join social games. You might even receive indecent information in Facebook Messenger. Of course, you have the choice to hide or block apps and other Facebook users. However, there will always be some new applications that will pop up in your account to take their place.
Facebook Places
Facebook Places allows your friends to know where you are as well as what you are doing. What is even worse is that you will be spammed by other people’s updates on their whereabouts. Of course, such can be very disturbing.
For this reason, you need to set your Facebook account’s settings as per your requirements. This way, you will choose what you want to appear in your news feed and notifications.
Scams
As mentioned, so much of your private information is available and accessible by the public in your Facebook account. For this reason, it becomes very easy for hackers and scam artists to use this information in targeting in accessing your other accounts, such as your PayPal, banking, and email. And when worse comes worst, these hackers’ attempts will be successful, causing you a number of serious troubles that are difficult to solve.
Virus Attacks
Regardless of how secure a platform or a website is, hackers will always be able to find a way to spread viruses via the website. And since everything disseminates fast on Facebook, just a single click on an unknown link is all that hackers need so they can make you spread the virus to your friends, their friends, and so on. This is the reason why you need to be careful in clicking and following links. Followers are also so valuable brands buy Facebook followers to help foster growth in their online reputation.
Monopoly
Facebook is one of the best places where businesses can advertise their products or services. The reason is that the platform has a huge audience base. Such may pose an effect on small businesses and startups that do not have a choice but to link their brands to Facebook to advertise their products.
Health Concerns
In 2009, the social media giant was the most-visited site on the internet. Many users spend so much time interacting with their friends and checking what other people are doing. Sometimes, people become so fixated that they forget to take care of themselves. Spending too much time online can lead to a number of health issues, such as headaches, eye strain, backaches, and a long list of sicknesses.
