What a tool. Facebook is a such a tool! A pretty double-edged one though. After Friday afternoon's engaging seminar on Facebook, I have to admit that as rad as the social networking phenomenon is, I still have many unanswered questions about how to draw the distinct line in the cyber-sand... What can't you say on Facebook that can get you fired or in the dog box at home and how do you politely decline invites without offending people... including family members or senior colleagues?
Each of the groups examined different aspect of the Facebook phenomenon, with ourselves, the infamous News Hacks, dissecting it uses as a tool that journalists. This brought out varying opinions from working reporters, some who are adamant about the immediacy and convenience that it offers while others are of the opinion that exclusivity is lost due to social networking with stories flying "willy-nilly" to journalists.
The Maggie Websters, yes as in Maggie Webster the eternal gossip on Isidingo, gave us a brief history of Faceboook. Only seven years old and already the fifth most populous country on earth, well if it really existed anyway. The MW's told us the true fairytale of the American college student, Mark Zuckerberg who became a millionaire by a turning a small university social site called "Facemash" into the Goliath they are today. They also chronologically explained the changes and added features that happened over the years, although I have to admit, not all of them were pleasing. Can someone please tell me why the mobile site doesn't work some phones anymore?
The Supremes, like as in Diana Ross and the Supremes, unpacked matters further by telling us about how people use the platform to network. Although I feel a topic like this was self-explanatory, I mean who isn't on Facebook these days, the group brought ought interesting points about features I have previously overlooked such as playing games, observing market trends and even serving court notices in Australia. This along with the usual stalking of exes, following big break-ups, finding romance and remembering birthdays.
The Open Doors, had to research the hardest topic of all... Ethical Pitfalls: The misuse of Facebook by journalists. Although I am aware of instances were reporters have got into deeeep trouble for bad-mouthing their firm, these cases are apparently still rather rare. I guess we are a responsible breed these days. Although the group could not find an example of a reporter getting fired for misusing Facebook, they brought up very valid points about people relying only on Facebook as a source and not verifying facts. Natasha brought up a good point after this about not making bad comments about your company on Facebook, it could just get you fired. I also think that discussing one's stories in progress on your status or on someone's wall is downright daft. Use the messenger service, that's what it's there for.
Well, I'm hoping with a little more time and all this really good insight, I'll be able to draw the line, and maybe log back onto Facebook mobile.
