My kids love the site and have figured out how to use Facebook and its applications in ways I never dreamed of. When I mentioned this Betty Blogger task to them, they offered to give me Facebook lessons for "old people"! Believe it or not, I didn't realize one could "chat" via Facebook so I nearly jumped out of my chair the first time I received an invitation to do so. If you don't have kids around to help, you can always check out Facebook for Dummies--it might be more patient with you than a 15 year-old!
Of course with my teens using this tool all the time, I have concerns about their security. I wanted to learn how to use Facebook so I could discuss its positive and negative aspects with them as well as its various security settings. It turns out that my daughter thought her pictures were visible only to her 'friends' but in fact 'friends of friends' could see her albums so we spent some time editing the settings for each.
We've also spent time talking about social networking etiquette as Facebook postings are being used by employers among others. Rob Nickel, a retired O.P.P. officer who now runs Cyber-Safety gave a lecture at my kids' school about criminals using Facebook to look for opportunities. And there are numerous articles about the use of Facebook information in court cases.
I'm not sure how much longer I'll maintain my Facebook account, but I've certainly learned a great deal by setting up my own account, exploring its settings and experimenting with its features.
I also wasn't sure of Facebook, but I am really having fun with it...and I have found 2 friends that had pics of my family on their wall...I would never of known if I wasn't on.
ReplyDeleteThe second time I was on Facebook the chat popped up and I had a conversation with my 13 year old nephew...long story short when I asked if his mom was around he was like "ah no, I'm not at home" ...it was just weird. Next day I was on and it pops up and I am chatting with a friend in Ottawa and next thing I know my other nephew pops up...two chats at the same time!
One day I am signing up for facebook,the next having a chat with my nephews and friends...seems to be happening kinda fast. When used the way it was intended Facebook can really be great...and I like to think that good people really out number the bad. But I still won't post anything too revealing...