Social networks expose their users to a great deal of information of great educational, social and economic value, transmit information and opinions at lightning speed from one end of the globe to the other to an exponential number of users, contribute to the public discourse, and enrich the market of opinions. They are - among other things - a basis for revolutions, the breaking of conventions, a platform for the expression of political and social protest, a commercial arena, and the movement of mass movements. They create a new culture, a new and fast discourse, and are characterized by great accessibility, high and fast. They are already much more than the "modern market square," as the network has described in the past. They are the "tribal bonfire."
Studies have already proven that social networks contribute to social and political revolutions (A. Gilboa, "Regional Upheaval - The Arab Spring and Facebook," Journal of Intelligence and Security Affairs of the Intelligence Heritage Center, June 66, 2013, p. 25), and that they have a significant impact on election proceedings [(K. Nahon, S. Rivnay Bahir, "Election Propaganda in the Eyes of the Internet and Social Networks: Background Material for the Beinisch Commission"; A. Weiner and A. Eli, "Social Networks' Preparations for State Elections Around the World: Updated Review" (2022)], and on consumption habits (T. Laor) "'Where are you? Are you here? Not here? Not here? Here? Here, the difference in the presence of different groups on social networks and their consumption patterns," Kesher No. 60, Spring 2023, pp. 158-179).
- On the other hand, it is impossible to ignore the negative aspect that accompanies the activity of social networks. Without any reference at all to their exploitation for actual criminal purposes, which is certainly prohibited, invalid and reserved for all opinions, the non-criminal use of them also raises considerable difficulties. First and foremost, we will put before our eyes the phenomenon of "fake news" that embraces the dissemination of opinions, ideas, and events that simply did not exist and were not created or that are taken out of context, and that cause severe damage to a person's good name and reputation, as well as the phenomenon of cyberbullying.
The era of the smartphone has provided users of the Internet and social networks with easy-to-use tools and applications that enable the creation and sharing of defamatory posts, in the form of text messages in discussion groups, short messages on social networks ("posts"), shares and likes (likes and dislikes), platforms for opinion articles, articles on various topics, and promotions ("blogs") and videos ("reels").