Personally, I feel shocked to know that a huge group such as Facebook allows this type of behavior to be carried out. Most users don’t know that Facebook takes advantage of this case and in general, in helps them generate an even greater profit. Profit? Yes, profit. How? Simple. Advertisers pay Facebook in order for them to post their ads and access your profile, and according to your preferences, they display their ads. For example, if your profile indicated that you live in Toronto; advertisers can use this information to promote their products located in Toronto.
Allowing unknown people or “strangers” to visit your profile, see pictures of you, and check out our personal information, such as your address, age, school, and name is just wrong. However, if users take action, they can protect themselves from strangers. By changing your preferences to allow only friends to access your information, you are limiting the information given out. Moreover, external programs can be used (which are compatible with Facebook) to protect specific information. But the best action most users take is that simply don’t put any personal information that you want someone else to see. It is important to protect your personal information from strangers and advertisers because it is your information and it should only be shared between you and your family. Additionally, this new privacy setting may be revisited because this can lead into many different types of activities including stalking, harassment, and many other violent actions.
Sources:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/28919575/SOCIAL-NETWORKING-SITES-AFFECT-ONE%E2%80%99S-ACADEMIC-PERFORMANCE-ADVERSELY
http://www.zdnet.com/news/more-singapore-facebook-arrests-likely/460652
This post on Social Network safety made me reconsider how safe my information is on Facebook again. After reading this post again after a while, I realize that checking over your security settings often will secure whatever you want hidden from others. But still safety is never guaranteed fully while on the Internet. Great post!
ReplyDeleteYour post is very well written, Karan. You touched on subjects that I had no clue about, like the fact that 96% of 1200 students felt uncomfortable revealing their information on social networking sites, and how ads on Facebook work. Thank you for making me aware this information. I made sure to fix my privacy settings on all of my social networking sites after reading this wonderful post.
ReplyDeleteThis post on Facebook and its safety makes me wonder how safe i am, when i go facebook. I had no idead about some of the stuff you talked about on your post. I feel it was very well written and it was very informative.
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