what you need to know about facebook

what you need to know about

Some of the Dangers…
The “.edu” access to the Facebook site may give students a false sense of security
There are hundreds of thousands of active “.edu” email addresses in just the
United States, and many of them can gain access to your site.
Some colleges and universities will grant free email addresses to alumni.
However, they do not always follow up to check whether the individual is an
actual alumni — therefore making it relatively easy to create false “.edu”
accounts on Facebook and gain access to the site.
Other social networking sites such as MySpace, Friendster, and Xanga offer even
less security and protection because they have complete public access and are
open to any person.

Students can be stalked by strangers (or even acquaintances) because of the
detailed and specific information students post on Facebook (i.e. phone numbers,
addresses, class schedules, social plans, etc.)
Students are getting in trouble with University administrators for incriminating and
inappropriate information or pictures on their Facebook profiles that are violations
of school policy or the code of conduct. Administrators are not monitoring Facebook;
however, if information or pictures on a student’s account that violate policy
are brought to their attention or are reported to them, they will follow up and
investigate further.
Students are being turned down by employers for jobs, internships, and even
interviews because of the information employers are finding out about students
on their Facebook accounts.
Compromising and inappropriate pictures, statements, or other information
on Facebook accounts can hurt students’ chance to gain (or even be considered
for) employment. Employers take the images that students are portraying on
Facebook very seriously as a reflection of personal character.
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Some of the Benefits…
Facebook is considered a social networking site and, if used as such, can be a
good way to make connections with people with similar interests
and goals. Facebooking can be a way to connect with or “meet”
people that a student may not have had the opportunity to before
— including other students, staff, faculty, and alumni.
Facebook offers campus surveys, party or event listings, and other
information that communicates the “pulse” of a campus culture.
Therefore, Facebook can be a great way to understand and stay connected to
one’s campus community as a whole.
Facebook offers advertising to its subscribers. Whether a student creates a “party”
for an upcoming event or pays for an ad, Facebook is a great way to advertise
as a student organization, club, Greek chapter, team, etc.

Helpful Hints
Evaluate your Facebook account and postings. How do you feel about your
employers seeing what you have posted? How about your parents or grandparents?
Do not post private information such as: cell phone, address, class schedule,
social plans, etc. — unless you are prepared for anyone to find you/track you
down, any time of the day or night.
Utilize the “privacy” settings on your Facebook account. You can
adjust your privacy settings so as to control who has access to your
personal information.
Google yourself to see how your name or identity is being used.
Subscribe to pubsub.com to keep track of your name and identity
on the web.
Be prepared to answer questions about your Facebook account in
job interviews. It has become common for interviewers to ask applicants “Are you
on Facebook?” and “What is on your Facebook profile?” Be prepared to answer
honestly because employers will most likely look at your Facebook account
themselves… or already have.