Topic Proposal # 2

Is Facebook risky or an overall fun, safe social networking site ?

Facebook, the most popular social networking site, may or may not be seen as a risk for those who use it. The amount of privacy one feels they have influences they way they feel about the site.

Northamption Now "Facebook: The Pros and Cons"
The amount of information a user wants to share can be controlled by that individual. One can change their privacy settings in order to control who can and who cannot access his/her personal profile. It is very important to mantain who has access to your profile, for job interviews for example. You can control what networks can view your profile, therefore if a potential employer is an alumni of your own network, there is a privacy setting in which no alumni can access your info. If you pay attention to what you post on your page to a minimum and refrain from posting things such as address, phone number, or class schedule, you can enjoy the fun features of Facebook without having to worry about stalkers. There are plenty of options to keep your profile limited and only accessible to certain people, which makes Facebook o.k.

"Facebook's Privacy Trainwreck: Exposure, Invasion, and Drama"
People using Facebook feel their privacy is taken from them due to the amount that their personal information is exposed and invasion of other Facebook users. The "news feed" can expose every single detail of what one does on Facebook, from what one posts on friends' Facebooks to what groups one joins. It is very common that not every friend one has on their "Friend list" is actually a close friend and therefore many people don't want all their personal information shown to people who they hardly know. In terms of invasion, Facebook is a "hot-spot" for gossip. The latest breakups or hookups can be announced through Facebook which then leads to gossip. Therefore, Facebook user's personal profiles are somewhat invaded by other people who thrive on gossip. What one posts on their profile forms their identity. Some people may feel controlled by Facebook because they try so hard to impress those who can access their profile.

Ars technica" "Facebook not safe enough for minors"
Although Facebook is advertised as a safe site, sex offenders are active on the site. Minors can gain access to pornographic material such as photos or through groups encouraging pornography. Although this issue was brought before the Facebook administers, they took no action to keep pornography off the site. Aside from suggestive pictures and risky groups, sexual predators may friend request a Facebook user, and if the user accepts their request, it could lead to potential sex crimes.

Cnet News: "Hackers Target Facebook Apps"
Those who develop Facebook applications are unaware of privacy issues, and therefore hackers can gain access to people's personal information who add these certain applications.