Tutorial Six: The internet and online communities

HIIIIIIII!!!!!!!......

So this week were looking at something that I know most people have heard of or even belong to... FACEBOOK!!!!!!!

Facebook is an online community that millions of people belong to all over the world.... which is kind of cool but just means we have to be very careful too. Not everyone out there can be completely trusted.

To look at this site go to http://www.facebook.com/

What is the brief or focus of this community?

"Facebook's mission is to give people the power to share and make the world more open and connected.

Millions of people use Facebook everyday to keep up with friends upload an unlimited number of photos, share links and videos, and learn more about the people they meet.

Visit the Facebook Blog at http://blog.facebook.com/"

What services are provided? How interactive is this site? How can people contribute?

-Interaction with loved ones, friends or family.

-Publish up coming events.

-Email

-Track Friends or family down using search

-Add Pictures/movies or things of youtube

On face book people are able to blog, write about there day or can write about anything really. There is no strict rule. Usually I personally write short notes about what happened on the weekend or what I’m up to that day. On these posts, people are able to add comments, *like* what your saying or leave small icons such as smiley faces.

Consider material presented during the lecture and make comment on why people choose to contribute to this community. What is it they are seeking?

Facebook allows us to keep in contact without having to physically be there. People can have disscussions lasting for weeks. it is quick and conveniant, perfect for our busy lives as it is also accesable from mobiles.

Cut and paste an example of the type of topics being discussed

soooo much work to do!! gahhhh soo unmotivated!!!

Agreed! im right there with you.

double agreed!

Considering material presented during the course and make comment on the potential ethical issues that may arise in this community

The main thins that I think that comes with using a site like facebook is how much information that we freely give out about ourselves. Personally i have experienced my account being hacked, i imediatly changed my password and put a note up saying my account had been hacked. None of my information was changed but this does not mean someone may use it in other places. Being careful not to give away passwords and usernames is really important. Identity theift, although it sounds like something out of a movie is becoming more and more popular.

People are also able to look thorugh any photos you may post and also comment them, tag them or copy them onto their own profile. By using the privacy settings this will help stop this.

You are also able to have convisations, somewhat similar to MSN on facebook. If you are logged on, who ever you are friends with on facebook can see this.

Making sure you are logged off after use, if on a public commuter especially will help to keep people out of your account too.

Personally l use face book and find it really handy. However, there is nothing like being able to havea face to face chat with somebody for proper interaction and they emotion. Facebook is great but does not offer this. i enjoy being able to keep contact with family and friends easily and quickly. However, there are risks in disclosing lots of information about yourself in a very accessible place. Have fun but be safe!!

Victoria :P