Facebook Use Declines Among Teens, Though Privacy Issues Remain

facebook-security-1With the rise of photo services like Snapchat and Instagram, Facebook is seeing a decline in its younger users. In February, the company warned its investors through a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that it could be losing its youth. “We believe that some of our users, particularly our younger users, are aware of and actively engaging with other products and services similar to, or as a substitute for, Facebook,” the site wrote. However, just because teenagers have been drifting away from Facebook doesn’t mean they’re unplugging from their devices; on the contrary, the use of Internet-connected mobile devices is skyrocketing. Parents are often left in the lurch, struggling to curtail their kids’ access to social media sites.

It’s no surprise that in a climate where teenage Internet users drift toward photo-based services  Facebook made the decision to purchase Instagram for $1 billion last spring. However, Facebook’s increased connection with photo sharing can have devastating privacy consequences, with inappropriate pictures and screenshots from Snapchat popping up on the site. In January, a Glendale, California man was charged with hacking into hundreds of women’s  Facebook accounts to steal nude photos and use them as extortion.

Ultimately, parents are responsible for teaching their children about the dangers of posting and sharing information and photos online. Even if they’re locked behind secure settings, they’re not untouchable.



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