The internet has made it easier for individuals to obtain information. Today, all that one needs to do is to enter search terms into a search engine such as Google and they are provided with information on virtually all imaginable topics. Information that is easy to obtain presents some advantages and disadvantages. Efficiency is the main advantage (Gosling & Mason, 2014). When one is able to obtain information with ease, they spend less time and expend less energy. The other advantage is cost-effectiveness. Today, one is able to use such resources as free Wi-Fi connections to obtain information from the internet. Previously, one may have needed to visit a library which requires a subscription. That easily obtainable information is usually inaccurate and lacks credibility is one of the key disadvantages (Gosling & Mason, 2014). The information that one obtains from such sources as the internet is not necessarily verified and established as accurate. The other disadvantage is that easily accessible information discourages thorough and rigorous research. Since one can access information easily, they see no need of spending time verifying the information or using information that has been found to be credible but it more difficult to obtain.
Social media is one of the technological advances that have presented many benefits. That it enhances communication and allows people to establish communities is among the advantages (“Social Media”, 2012). Social media also enables businesses to create contacts and reach new markets. Another advantage of social media is that it promotes the exchange of ideas and the sharing of information. Social media is not without disadvantages. The threat of privacy and security violations is one of the cons (“Social Media”, 2012). Decline in employee productivity, identity theft and bullying are other disadvantages of social media. It is important for individuals to understand the pros and cons of using social media. As they recognize the advantages that social media presents, individuals are able to exploit this media for maximum benefit. For example, when a business understands that social media enhances their presence and expands their audience, they can use social media to reach new customers. Understanding the disadvantages of social media challenges one to institute safeguards. For example, an individual who understands that they can suffer identity theft, bullying or hacking can take measures such as using a strong password.
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In the discussion above, it has been noted that easily obtainable information often suffers credibility issues. These issues can also be witnessed in information that one obtains from the internet. Some of the credibility issues that arise when one obtains information from the internet include accuracy and the authority of the authors of the information (Wihbey, 2013). It is difficult to ensure that the information from internet sources is accurate and that the authors possess the competence and authority to discuss a given issue. Another credibility issue concerns bias. Much of the information on the internet is not balanced (Wihbey, 2013). Unless one is cautious, they could take the biased information to the truth. While internet sources possess limitations, they can be useful. One needs to be careful and only obtain information from credible internet sources.
References
Gosling, S. D. & Mason, W. (2014). Internet Research in Psychology. Annual Review of Psychology, 66, 877-902.
Social Media: What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Networking Sites? What Should we Include in a Policy? (2012). Retrieved 4th November 2017 from
https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/tools-and-samples/hr-qa/pages/socialnetworkingsitespolicy.aspx
Wihbey, J. (2013). Online Information, Credibility and the “Google Generation”: Research, Tips, Resources. Retrieved 4th November 2017 from
https://journalistsresource.org/studies/society/news-media/online-information-credibility-google-generation-research-review-tips-resources
