Social media has become an irreplaceable part of many people’s lives. While for some people they have become a platform for self-expression, or a new workplace, others call it the biggest problem facing the new generation.
Cyberbullying, cybercrime, catfishing — we have already coined new terms to describe the perils of social media. With dangers from social media interactions on the rise, developers of these platforms are looking at ways to make the social networks safer and more beneficial for young users.
The team at ASKfm, a social network for anonymous questions and answers, believe they have a solution that they have been using on their network.
As a social network, the biggest goal of ASKfm is to create a community where everyone can be themselves, no matter what their financial or family status.It is a platform where there is no place for cruelty, judgment, or discrimination. By creating communities for like-minded people, ASKfm motivates its users to be positive and support each other.
ASKfm moderators do the most important job. Their task is to check all the content and users’ communication for any mention of harming themselves or anyone else. With its strict moderation and high safety standards, ASKfm is creating a space for teenagers where they can not only feel more relaxed thanks to anonymity, but where they will also be protected from potentially dangerous content.
Despite the fact that ASKfm gives its users a platform where they can express their thoughts without feeling shy or being judged, the company draws a clear line between freedom of expression and potential danger. Special attention is paid to issues like extremism and self-harm — any discussions of such topics are closely moderated to ensure users’ safety.
Since we spend a lot of time on social media, our online environments are just as important as our environments in real life. That is why, instead of blaming social media for all the problems of our times, we should put more effort into creating online communities that will help teenagers live healthier and happier lives.
And what do ASKfm users say about it?
A few young people decided to share their stories about how the social network became their lifeline in the hardest of times.
