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SINGAPORE: Social networking sites are keeping half the youths in Singapore glued to the Internet for three hours each day.
In a survey conducted by students of Singapore Polytechnic's School of Communication, Arts and Social Sciences, many respondents said that having an account on sites such as Facebook helps them stay in touch with friends and updated on the latest news and trends.
Among the most popular online activities on such sites are watching video clips and blogging.
Some 800 Singaporeans, between 15 and 34 years of age, took part in the survey. Sixty four per cent of the respondents said they go to Facebook daily, and about 35 per cent visit YouTube every day.
However, the results also highlighted some security concerns. A majority said they shared their personal information on the sites. About five per cent of respondents said they leave their home address on social networking sites.
Two in ten have dated a stranger they met through a social networking site, and one in ten has been sexually harassed on such sites.
Media experts said youths should learn to protect their personal particulars from prying eyes.
Kwa Lay Ping, senior lecturer, School of Communication, Arts and Social Sciences, Singapore Polytechnic said: "Set their privacy settings to not disclose more than what is needed. So if all they are just doing is basic information, name, pictures, if they want to let people see their photos. Handphone numbers are strictly no no, home address strictly no no."
Singapore Polytechnic also announced the setting up of a Centre for Social Media, which hopes to lead the research on social media and examine its impact on society.
The centre will also provide insight on social media use amongst teenagers and provide a forum to discuss current and future media trends.
- CNA/sc
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