Instagram

Instagram is a vintage photography smartphone app that allows you to share and take images. In order to use this app you have to create a free account. Why you may ask? Because Instagram is also a popular social network. On Instagram you can follow other users' photo streams and you can be followed in return and by other users.

Pinterest

Pinterest is based on the bulletin board or scrapbook concept where people collect images that inspire them and pin them to their pinboard. Pinterest is a relatively new platform which was launched as a beta in 2010. It has subsequently become one of the more popular means of social networking. People can search on the Pinterest site for others who have interest in images from similar categories. Users can "repin" images from others' pinboard. The images are categorized in popular categories such as travel, cars, food, film, etc. Again there is a question of copyright when it comes to use of images on Pinterest created by a third party. Stumbled Upon StumbledUpon is a social media platform that is similar to a search engine like Google. The main difference is that it is user generated recommendations, which allow users to share or recommend other web pages, images, videos, based on one's personal interests and tastes.

Risks of Social Media

Privacy Privacy is a significant issue among its users. This risk is not immediately apparent. However the information shared on most social media platform extends beyond the immediate group one directly shares that personal content. The concept of social media—sharing of information, preferences and tastes, historical and private details—is often lost on its users until such time as that privacy is violated by one's network of users. Users should be careful about what information is posted on these sites. Once the information is distributed, it becomes public information, for all intents and purposes, even when one selects a privacy option. Any shared information can be copied and distributed by those who one shares that information. It is relatively easy for someone to collect information on a person from a variety of sources, enough to steal one's identity for personal gain, or create distress for one personally or professionally.