Warning about Facebook and MySpace

I was reading msn news and found an article called : "Don't Drink and Drive, then post on Facebook", by Eric Tucker, Friday, July 18, 2008. Places like Facebook and MySpace have become places detectives, prosecutor's, as well as employers are gathering information on people. Photos as well as statements you post on Facebook, MySpace and other social sites can be used in a court of law, and by your employer as character references.

The article talks about teens drinking, partying and driving; then posting the photos of the drunken party's and unfortunate statements. These teens were in auto accidents and their comments online as well as the photos were used in court.

Yes Virginia, you have the freedom of speech, however anything you blog, or post online can be used against you by your employers as well as in a court of law.

20 TOAS

I have signed up for an account with Facebook. It seems very easy to work with and I can see the value of having a place to post questions to other Librarians etc. I can see the appeal for adolescents, who want to be a part of a group.

I have joined two groups on Facebook, one is 23 things on a stick, the other is Library 2.0 Interest Group. I like the idea of having a support group you can contact with questions or to share comments with. Of course you can just leave a message on 23 things on a stick's blog lol.

I left a message on the wall in each group, the process is very simple. I was a little surprised to have my full name and other personal info posted for others to read. I can see security issues with that.

I m glad to have had the experience of using Facebook, I think as librarians we need to know what interests our adolescent patrons and have at least a basic knowledge of how things like Facebook work.