Social media was born in 1997, on the fringes of the 21st century. Digital technology took off like a rocket. Everyone wanted to get on the bandwagon that transmitted information instantaneously. Anyone, from an anonymous kid to an international celebrity, could relay information to the entire world in seconds. 

The new phenomenon gave the 'average' person the same exposure as a headliner in Las Vegas or a top box office star. But as much as being front and center might stoke a person's ego, there's a downside. And that is the strong possibility that you open the door to a barrelful of negativity when you put yourself out there. 

A few years ago, a good friend of mine posted a picture of her then- four-year-old in front of her elementary school--with the name of the school displayed. She told me she did this as a way for loved ones out-of-state or out of the country to see her beautiful little girl growing up. But I pointed out that she was setting up a dangerous scenario for her child because now her online photos revealed her daughter's location.

Predators troll websites and look for any opportunity to take advantage of the vulnerable. Statistics from the FBI are sobering. When kids are googling their favorite singers or actors, predators know this and intentionally troll celebrities to engage with unsuspecting victims, using false identities.

And it happens to adults, too. Think about it carefully before you use online dating services. Too many scams have led to disastrous results. Murders resulting from meeting strangers online are the very worst-case scenarios. I cannot condemn all dating apps, but exert extreme discretion if you choose to use one. Make sure the site is vetted and you meet in a public place. 

Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or Facebook offer regular Joes and Janes 15 minutes of fame. Anyone can be famous now: this phenomenon has caused celebrities to lose some of their mystique. I don't think we will ever return to the magic of Hollywood's Golden Age when it comes to star power. Everybody's business is online.

Cyberbullying is on the rise across all demographics. Both celebrities and common folk are victims. Online bullying can spark suicide, especially in young people. Politics has become dirtier than ever: just look at the rants triggered by the January 6 attacks on the Capitol. Even if you request a public disclosure of a local crime, your name becomes part of the public record. Privacy goes out the window once again. 

Part of the human condition is to crave recognition. It's a cornerstone of self-esteem. But even Kim Kardashian, who has amassed a fortune on social media with multiple endorsements, admitted, "There are pitfalls: lack of privacy, loss of privacy. That's not for everyone. For me, I can handle it." Not everyone can. As much as I love technology, I hate the lack of privacy and criminal activities resulting from social media.