Showing posts with label Facebook. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Facebook. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 19, 2013


Creating a Digital Footprint with Social Media


With all of the recent stories on the morning news programs, I feel compelled to blog about social media, especially Facebook.  I am very interested in reading about any issues that relate to Digital Citizenship or creating or adding to one’s digital footprint.  Everyone I know has Facebook and they keep asking why I am not on Facebook.  I am very torn about the decision.  I do not want to publicize my life publicly  but I do like keeping in touch with what is going on with my family and friends.  I can see how an individual could spend a great deal of time on Facebook.  I don’t have that kind of time to spend surfing Facebook or any other social media outlet.

The other topic that needs to be addressed with college students (I mention this group because I work with college students) is what they post on social media outlets.  I am amazed at what some students deem appropriate to post for the world to see.  I wonder if they realize that what is being posted is out there for everyone to see even if it is private.  I really feel that a class or workshop should be built into a freshman curriculum to teach students about proper netiquette, how social media outlets work, privacy rights and posting.  The key thing to remember is that students in college are getting ready to start careers and what they post today could hurt their chances of getting that dream job.  Facebook was a topic that Richardson devoted time to in his book that we read for class.  Once a post or pictures are posted, that digital footprint is created for everyone to view for eternity!   As a test, Google yourself and see what your footprint says about you.

Should I cave and join Facebook to connect with family and friends?

What are your thoughts or ideas about educating students on safe and proper social media usage?