The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Social Networking Sites

Team 1English Comp IEverettMay 3, 2010

Online Social NetworkingSocial networking sites allows one to share pictures, videos, thoughts, and status updates.

Started by a Harvard student in 2003 Launched into (The) Facebook 2004

Opened on September 26, 2006, to everyone of ages 13 and older.

Has now replaced MySpace in popularity. Worldwide

• Founded in 2003• Over 1000

employees• Available in 15

languages• A Place for Friends• Has recently been

reported to be losing popularity to Facebook and Twitter

My Spacers express themselves to viewers through their Carefully prepared “profile page” which is designed to create favorable first impressions.

Business and Marketing

Facebook was ranked Number 18 of 50 Social Sites

That Every Business Needs a Presence On. (insidecrm.com)

MySpace

Movie

Ad

You?

Facebook

Advertisem

ents and Marketing

Clubs and Bars use MySpace to message special events

MySpace for your Business?

Colbie Caillat is described as “the first true myspace.com discovery”

Social Networking Sites

Keep in touch with friends and family! Make new friends

Social Networks allow you to showcase your talents!

Many examples include; An artist performing a song A photographer showing great photos Personal ad, finding yourself a future boyfriend/ girlfriend Selling a car or personal item Advertising yourself for a job Posting a video for the Guinness Book of World records!

The “Ugly” side of SNS

Prospective Employers

Employers have been known to use social networking sites as a tool for background checks. Incriminating information or photos can cost you

that job!

Though many people believe that they are entitled to freedom of speech, they aren’t aware that employers have every right to evaluate your public communication and use it in making employment decisions.

The Employed

There have been cases of teachers, police officers, and even judges losing their jobs as a result of objectionable MySpace or Facebook content.

A bank intern was busted when he called in due to a "family emergency". He was caught when his boss saw this Facebook picture from the Halloween party Colvin apparently missed work to attend.

This photo along with other Facebook content brought both police officers under internal investigation. Possible charges: violating department policy ,conduct unbecoming an office and improper use of department equipment.

http://valleywag.gawker.com/tech/your-privacy-is-an-illusion/bank-intern-busted-by-facebook-321802.php

Cyber Bullying

Cyberbullying can result in teen suicide, as was the case with 13-year-old Megan Meier.

Many do not tell others that this is happening to them.

Studies have shown that cyberbullying is more prevalent than on-campus bullying.

Megan Taylor Meier (November 6, 1992 – October 17, 2006)

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Laurie Drew (Lori Drew) admitted to police that she created a fake MySpace profile used to torment 13-year old Megan Meier into committing suicide. Drew is the mother of one of Megan’s ex-friends.

Last MySpace Message:"Everybody in O'Fallon knows how you are. You are a bad person and everybody hates you. Have a shitty rest of your life. The world would be a better place without you."

Megan’s mother holding her pictures.

http://stopcyberbullying.org

Burglars and Thieves

Criminals are on Social Networking Sites as well:

Identity theft Those Without Social Network Profiles Could Have Online Identities Stolen

Social Networking Identity Theft Scams

Fake Social Network Profiles

Burglaries

• Posting your every location can be an opening for theft or break-ins

Predators on Social Networks

Parents need to be aware Anyone can be a victim

Without the use of security features by the site users, social networking sites can fast turn into an easy-access doorway for those who mean harm to the poster. With the emphasis on “friends” that these sites promote, it is important to remember that not all people on the internet are law-abiding, psychologically stable citizens

Conclusion:

For an artist looking to promote their work, or a busy student looking to keep in touch with friends and family, social networking sites provide a positive mode of communication. In the absence of reasonable caution, however, these sites can also irretrievably harm personal and professional relationships. In cases such as Megan Meier, they can even be a contributing factor in a user’s death.

Team 1KORBA, A.J. SPEAGLE, MATHEW K BENEDICT, RACHEL SAUNDERS, CASSANDRA C HAWKINS, TIFFANY S

Information in this Power Point Was Taken From The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Social Networking Sites Essay

Funny To Go