As the need for communication and connection increases, so does the potential risks of using social media, such as Facebook and Twitter.  According to Science Daily, increasing research on social media has revealed it presents risks and benefits to children, but parents who try to secretly monitor their kids’ activities online are wasting their time, according to a presentation at the 119th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association.

“While nobody can deny that Facebook has altered the landscape of social interaction, particularly among young people, we are just now starting to see solid psychological research demonstrating both the positives and the negatives,” said Larry D. Rosen, PhD, professor of psychology at California State University.

Rosen discussed potential effects in his talk entitled, “Poke Me: How Social Networks Can Both Help and Harm Our Kids,” including:

• Teens who use Facebook more often show more narcissistic tendencies and signs of other psychological disorders, including antisocial behaviors, mania and aggressive tendencies.
• Daily overuse of media and technology has a negative effect on the health of all children, preteens, and teenagers by making them more prone to anxiety and susceptible to future health problems.
• Facebook can be distracting and can negatively impact learning.  Studies found that middle school, high school, and college students who checked Facebook at least once during a 15-minute study period achieved lower grades.

Rosen said new research has also found positive influences linked to social networking, including:

• Young adults who spend more time on Facebook are better at showing “virtual empathy” to their online friends.  Rosen says that the ability to show virtual empathy for distressed Facebook friends is actually well-received by friends, positively influencing their mood.  This empathy can even spill over into the real world, teaching teens how to empathize with others in everyday life.

• Online social networking can help introverted adolescents learn how to socialize behind the safety of various screens.
• Social networking can provide tools for teaching in compelling ways that engage young students.

For parents, Rosen offered guidance:  “You have to start talking about appropriate technology use early and often and build trust, so that when there is a problem, whether it is being bullied or seeing a disturbing image, your child will talk to you about it.”  Parents also need to pay attention to the online trends and the latest technologies, websites and applications children are using, he said.

Just like with parents to children, insurance agencies have a close relationship with their clients.  In the world of insurance social networking, it is important to keep the audience in mind.  In addition, although social media is a valuable tool to use when connecting with the community, face to face interactions can never be replaced.  So as new methods of customer service arise, remember to have a balance between your insurance social networking and your real world networking techniques.