Our Voice
Yes, the social networking Web site certainly has many advantages, as it allows us to keep in touch with friends who have become geographically distant and even to reconnect with long lost chums.
Where, then does trouble lie?
Well, truth be told it lies with yourself. Because Facebook is a public Web site, anything you post on your profile can be viewed by anyone with access to your profile. If you leave it public any of 150 million users worldwide, as of Jan. 7, can view it.
So are you safe if you make your profile private?
You may like to think so, however consider this: How many of those friends do you really know? If you only make your profile private chances are 100, 200, possibly more people that you may have met once have access to your information. Yes, that includes that picture of you that you thought only your good friends could see.
The safe bet, as always, is to use caution when posting things on social networking sites. And we all know that our teachers, and now parents are joining.
Facebook, of course, is far from the only Web site on the Internet where students, especially those who will soon be entering the job market should excercise caution.
While the internet is quite possibly the greatest research tool at any of our disposals, it can also be used as a tool to research you.
Surprised? Don’t be. Chances are prospective employers have already Googled you.
It is hard in this day and age to hide much about yourself, so your best bet is not to add to anything yourself.
Next time you’re bored, give it a try. Google search for your name and just see what kind of information pops up for the entire world to see.
So, next time you go to tag that picture from that party Thursday night or add that expletive-laced rap lyric consider who may be able to see it.
Please send responses to ColonnadeLetters@gcsu.edu
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Feb 20 2009. Filed under Our Voice.
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