I recently had some friends concerned about photos they had posted of them from other friends. The issue was around the fact that although the photos may have been just showing a fun weekend, coworkers of the concerned friend may see them on Facebook and not interpret them in the light manner they were intended.
Facebook is just like any other internet tool . One, regardless of their age, should take careful consideration as to what you “put out there” for the cyberworld to see and who you allow access to see it.
CBC News was reporting yesterday that Oxford is using Facebook as a way to discipline students. It seems that after exams there is sometimes the unsanctioned custom of “trashings”. This involves dousing classmates in foam, eggs, and flour. A campus misdemeanor that is drawing fines to the students. Officials are searching through Facebook for photos that capture any of the activities and emailing students with the fines.
As if often the case, the tool is not the problem, but how we sometimes utilize them becomes an issue. Some schools have completely banned Facebook on the basis that threats and derogatory remarks have been made against fellow students and teachers. This Oxford case seems like some harmless fun, but does go against the rules of the university. It helps to point out to the masses again the need to protect your privacy. Make sure you use the features established within the tools to allow only your friends to see your information. Sometimes a better rule to live by is not to post info/photos/comments that can put yourself or others into harm or offend.