More information about social networks

THE good thing about joining a social network is you get to meet many people – some of whom you can learn a lot from.
If you join the right groups you can learn a lot about your areas of interest – creative writing, good music to listen to or movies to watch, books to read, the pro­gress of your favourite English football team or find a job.
I have noticed some friends whose writing skills have developed as a result of posting comprehensive views on different topics using complete and proper English sentences.
Some months ago, I was happy to have a question answered by an American producer about a movie I enjoyed as a 12-year-old.
It was a one-line answer, but it was an important answer to me and I told the producer how I loved that movie.
That is one of the advantages of being on a good social network.
You can get in touch with people on the other side of the globe and even get the chance to pose questions to experts.
Good groups will help you grow as a person –they can help give you ideas on how you can raise your grades in subjects that you are studying in school, or help encourage you to make the right choices in the work place and in life.
However, there are people who are on a network with bad motives.
In other countries (and possibly already in PNG), people can bully others over the internet.
If you feel threatened or uncomfortable in any way in a chat group or social network, it is wise to cancel your membership.
Just log out – and get help from others.
Beware that there are people posing with false identities.
Here are some rules that you can follow when using a network:
l    Keep away from groups you know will not help you;
l    If you feel threatened or uncomfortable in a group, just quit;
l    Do not take people who use names other than their own seriously;
l    Mind your language and keep away from people who do not mind theirs;
l    Some information about yourself is private and keep it that way; do not tell everybody details about you that should be kept private;
l    Stay away from people who want private details about you, and,
l    Be nice and polite. If you want to argue, argue in a civilised manner.

Next week: Getting the right information – Is 2012 the end?