Our+Position



**Our Position:**

By utilizing our current knowledge about privacy issues, we want people to be more aware of the implications social networking sites can have. Although it is one’s choice to post private information, it is very common for individuals to be ignorant of the “fine print.” For example, hidden deep in the privacy policy of Facebook, there is a section stating, “When you access Facebook from a computer, mobile phone, or other device, we may collect information from that device about your browser type, location, and IP address, as well as the pages you visit” (Facebook). This section is just one of many that infringes on the privacy of uninformed and naive users. Many social networking sites, and specifically Facebook, have instilled a system that makes it legal to collect, store and sell personal data of their users. Ultimately, we as consumers must consistently make conscious decisions about providing personal information to social networking companies, thus, protecting ourselves from having confidential information shared with others and accessible to people worldwide, without our knowledge.

As a group, we want to educate the public about the consequences and ways to protect themselves from falling into the trap, created by these social networking sites. Over the past few years, Facebook has gradually been storing information on its users. Essentially, they have the right to sell the gathered information to marketing and research companies. Not only is this information sold to companies all over the world, but also is accessible to anyone. In many incidents, people have been fired from their jobs due to the content on their Facebook profile. One example of this involves a teen named Kimberly Swann describing her first day at work being ‘dull and boring’ on her Facebook profile (Levy). It did not take much time, as soon after, her boss read the comment and fired her. However, some situations can be much worse, such as loosing a career, or denied access to a school due to unprofessional content. Although there are privacy features to help hide certain content, this does not mean it is hidden forever. If someone is photographed when intoxicated, that photo can be viewed on multiple profiles by friends who commented on the photo, even if you deny access to it from your profile. For example, searching an individuals name on Google will expose their profile picture and other personal information. If you do not want certain information and personal content to appear on the internet, you must stop it from the source and avoid situations that could incriminate you in the future.

Ideally, we would like our target audience to be more aware and vigilant of the content on their profiles and information they provide to websites, specifically Facebook. For some young adults, it may be hard to avoid the corresponding lifestyle of partying and alcoholic consumption; however, by urging users to avoid displaying themselves in an inappropriate and immature manner can benefit them. Since the domination of social networking sites, it has been evident that people, specifically females, have exposed themselves in a much less classier and degrading fashion. Seductive clothing and facial expressions that appear tasteless, all add to the same conclusion of unprofessionalism. If one has to question whether something they are posting is inappropriate, or the information they are providing is private and do not want it to be circulated, avoid the situation completely to reduce the chance of regret later on.