9781422274149

OVERVIEW OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND PRIVACY

Today, an estimated 2.8 billion people around the world are using social media. Most of these people use networks like Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, or WeChat. Each year, new social media websites and apps roll out, presenting new opportunities to engage with friends, family members, and even strangers. Most Americans probably have some experience using one of the most popular social media websites. But a question remains: what exactly is social media? Generally speaking, social media facilitate the creation and sharing of information and ideas online. Social media websites include virtual communities and networks that revolve around user-generated content, including text posts, videos, and photos. These websites offer connection to other individuals via electronic devices: smart phones, laptops, personal computers, or tablets. The role of social media in the daily lives of Americans remains controversial. Its prominence in today’s society brings up many questions. In order to answer some of

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