Oh no! I Did It Again!

I did it again. I got so focused on getting my blog assignment done, that I forgot to look at the assignment criteria. In my previous post, I rambled on about my experience with Facebook, but didn't address the topics outlined in Excursion 8. This post will address the criteria:

What surprised or continues to surprise you about the experience?

I am surprised at how easy it is to find view other peoples' walls and personal info, despite the privacy settings they have put in place. People could access my FB wall through a mutual friend, and I find that surprising.

What potential can you see in social networks for education?

I think that it is a great site to post announcements, messages and information for specific groups of people. But then again, a wiki might also work.

What are some of the potential concerns?

I am concerned about the privacy issue, or the lack of privacy. But I guess, if it was a real concern, I could use a "fake" name or just not have an account.

Did/does using the application alleviate those concerns or exacerbate them?

Having an account has just given me first-hand experience with FB. I am no longer judging social networking sites on hear-say. In my case, I just don't post very much, and when I do, I post with caution. I haven't posted pictures - and don't know if I will.

Will you continue to use Facebook after our tour is over? Why or why not?

As I started my previous post, the jury is still out on whether or not I will keep my FB account. If I close it, it will be because I am not really using it for its intended purpose - social networking and because I find it just as easy to email or call a "friend".

Would you answer these questions differently if you were discussing your child's or parent's profile? Why or why not?


I don't think I would look at it differently if I were discussing my child's profile, but then again, my children are adults and are helping me learn to navigate FB. One child has accepted me as a friend, and the other .... well, let's put it this way: rather than ask to be his friend and have him put major restrictions on what I have access to, I would rather not be friends at all!