Initially upon starting this assignment I did sign up for a Facebook account under a pseudonym however I have since deactivated my account and applied to delete it (it takes 14 days). I do not feel comfortable with a Facebook account because even though I can use a pseudonym I still have to use my e-mail address which contains my name. I feel that this may compromise my privacy. Also with my e-mail available to Facebook who may sell it to third parties, I may receive more junk mail which I then have to delete.
My concerns about social networking are:
1)Lack of privacy. Even though there are numerous privacy settings it is more difficult to control the information you put on Facebook than if you don't sign up in the first place.
2)Online social networking where a record is left of everything can create more problems than offline social interactions where nothing is recorded. Too often one hears that Facebook users regret their Facebook interactions later when applying for a job since employers have access to their information.
3)Social networking can promote the indiscrete use of information as opposed to traditional face-to-face social interactions that use intuition, physical cues and good old-fashioned judgement in a more open atmosphere.
4)Too much time spent on the computer instead of being an active member of your community.
Excellent thoughts, BB. I appreciate your response and considerations. And for the record: Facebook creeps me out too!
ReplyDeleteHi Barbara, I agree with a lot of what you said about facebook, especially not enough face to face social networking anymore.
ReplyDeleteLove the background you chose for your blog. Am I to assume with the title and background that you like to cook?
I only have a Facebook account because I needed to for a course I took (yes, a college credit course). Otherwise, I wouldn't bother.
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