This week in class we read about protecting privacy,
security and safety on social media networks. With cyber crime growing and
identity theft on the rise, this raises major concern for social media users
and companies alike. But not all social media users feel concerned about their privacy and providing personal information, and government cannot pass legislation fast enough to keep up with advances in social networking.
In the below infographic by MDG Advertising (2012), you can see that 2/3 of social media users don't trust social media companies, and active social media users are less concerned with privacy. Even though the majority of users distrust social media companies, they will continue to use social media despite the risks of having their identity stolen, their accounts hacked, or their personal information sold to third parties.
In “A Wider World,” Tracy Mitrano (2006) provides three
principles to using social media safely: (1) maintain personal safety, (2) explore
all the opportunities [social media has] to offer, and (3) remember the
golden rule—treat others how you want to be treated (para. 30). Mitrano argues,
“Might not the same three principles serve national law and policy on
communications technologies as well? Criminals will always appropriate
technology for their misbegotten purposes. That pattern, as old as civilization
itself, is no reason to quash innovation. Why deprive law-abiding people of
socially advantageous uses of technology? Law enforcement must get smarter, on
a continuing basis, about investigating the criminal uses of technology, but no
new legislation may even be needed” (2006, para. 31).
Questions to consider this week:
- After reading about the risks of using social media, do you feel more or less concerned about your own use of social media?
- Do you agree that Mitrano's principles for using social media would be enough to protect social media users, or do you believe there should be more laws passed to restrict social media companies and the information they collect/use/sell?
References:
Mitrano, T. (January 1, 2006). A wider world: Youth, privacy, and social networking technologies. Educause Review. Retrieved from http://er.educause.edu/articles/2006/1/a-wider-world-youth-privacy-and-social-networking-technologies
MDG Advertising. (February 21, 2012). [Graphic illustration]. The Sad State of Social Media Privacy. Retrieved from http://www.mdgadvertising.com/blog/the-sad-state-of-soial-media-privacy-infographic/
Keri,
ReplyDeleteI love these questions. They are very thought provoking.
1. I thought of the Newsroom and my conflict between teacher and student right now. As an educator we are told "Social Media will ensure the end of your career." It is considered the place for students to find all your dark secrets. I had such a hard time just making profiles for this class for that reason. Meanwhile, marketing states we need to have a mastery of communication skills with social media to reach our target audiences, and for this reason and for the class we should exist everywhere. I think a mixture of these two points are correct. First, I think it is important to limit what you post. As an individual, do I want people really knowing what I do every moment of the day? As a business, do I want any message other than one that aligns with the marketing strategic plan out there?
I saw an episode of HBO's The Newsroom, and there is a character that posts a tweet for less than 1 min that reeks havoc for the channel. The idea here is once you post something, even if you take it down, it is out there; someone will find it. I think this is really important to consider because both companies and individuals need to realize everything has a permanency to it.
2. I am conflicted over how legislation will deal with social media and privacy violations. I believe at the end of the day, social media is a public, third party forum. Because of this, nothing is truly private, and for those reasons, people need to be very purposeful in what they chose to post. If there is something that is very private, it should be kept offline, especially in the world of capable hackers. It might not be ideal, but the communication channel is not owned by the people, it is owned by a company. I think this issue/ question will resurface multiple times in the next few decades as social media evolves.
Hi Kate,
DeleteBefore this class I did not see a big issue with teachers using social media, but to ensure a long term teaching career that it is better to avoid it, then to use it at all. This is definitely a technology problem as you want to keep your skills up and have knowledge of how it all the various sites work, but yet must refrain from communicating with students.
In fact author Joshua Bolkan reported from The Journal of Transforming Education through Technology that, "Nearly nine of 10 — 87 percent — of teachers have not incorporated social media into their classrooms, according to a new survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of the University of Phoenix. The survey also found that more teachers, 62 percent, said they are reluctant to incorporate social media in their classrooms than in 2013, when 55 percent reported such hesitation. Only 44 percent of teachers surveyed said that social media can enhance a student's educational experience" (Bolkan, 2015).
In my opinion this type of attitude is not preparing students or teachers with the right resources to communicate lessons online. The responsibility is being passed down to the parents of the students as to what their child does on social media. Media sites should work together to design sites that are educational friendly instead of bickering over it. Students by a certain age know what is right and wrong, but if not being instructed as to the consequences of wrongful posts, then how are they to learn from it? Schools must define their social media policies and enforce the rules. If it taught and the individual disobeys, then the student or teacher must suffer the punishment. Most kids know more than we do of how to use their smart phones and tablets, which is scary to me if it is in the wrong hands. So why not teach the kids that social media can be used for good, but as long as it does not become a distraction of the students ability to earn good grades.
References:
Bolkan, J. (2015, Sep. 2). Research: 9 in 10 Teachers don't use social media in the classroom. The Journal of Transforming Education through Technology. Retrieved from https://thejournal.com/articles/2015/09/02/research-9-in-10-teachers-dont-use-social-media-in-the-classroom.aspx
Hi Kate,
DeleteI didn't even think how teachers could be affected by using social media. I think social media is a great tool and can be used productively, however there is the risk of students/associates finding your personal accounts, which can potentially damage your career. I find it interesting that there is increasing importance placed on social media activity for school and work. In a Jobvite 2013 survey on social recruiting, 93 percent of recruiters admitted to reviewing a job candidate's online presence as part of the screening process (Augustine). Posts on social media can have a huge impact on your career and future.
I also agree that there isn't much legislation can do to keep social media companies from using private information. Social media compamies will continue to use private information, and social media users would do best to learn best practices and limit what information they provide online.
Sandy,
DeleteThanks for your comments about social media use in education. I think the main concern for teachers allowing students to use social media in the classroom is that it becomes a distraction in class. I taught youth Sunday school at my church for about a year, and the youth would use their phones during the lesson to follow along and read from the bible, which was downloaded to their devices. Of course not all the kids were actually following along; some were messaging back and forth and browsing Facebook. As the teacher, I would get discouraged and I felt no one was listening. I decided to change my style of teaching to be more interactive, both on and offline, and it worked out better for me and for the class.
Kate,
In what ways have you integrated social media into your classroom? Do you feel that the students are learning the good/bad consequences of using social media?
Sandy and Keri,
DeleteYou bring up some really grate points. In a presentation for new hires last year in Gaston County, North Carolina, the superintendent put together an engaging presentation of true stories from different teachers that were no longer part of the district. Some teachers had profile pictures of them doing keg stands, some had profile pictures, I kid you not, of them licking parents faces (they had started to date the parents). Like it or not, HR looks at your social media. It is not just LinkedIn that is part of your digital resume. If they can find you, they will look.
As a teacher, you really do not want students, employer or parents finding your personal information, it crosses a line and changes many unique dynamics. It can also change the respect level you have. At the last district I worked in, it was plausible and considered ok to fire a teacher if they were spotted drinking in public by someone from the school. (It was the south.)
As Sandy mentions, few teachers use social media in their classroom. There are many reasons for this. Many teachers are older and a) stuck in their ways or b) not familiar with social media or do not see it as an educational tool. Teachers also worry about encountering private student information, or accidentally crossing a line and becoming legally responsible for something. There is much more caution when you work with minors. This makes me wonder if Disney or other institutions have slightly different policies.
In contrast, I believe social media is becoming ever more important in the classroom. First, it is how the students communicate today, which means it is their vernacular. Second, many students will need to use social media in their future fields, and therefore should be familiar with it.
I have used social media in a few ways, always keeping in mind privacy. First, I mentioned last week that one week class on marketing in San Diego I designed. We all used Twitter and Instagram to communicate and discuss different ad campaigns and cooperate messages the students encountered.
In a more traditional sense, I use different social media platforms or skills in day to day lessons. First, students love emojis and hashtags. I have students summarize readings in emojis and hashtags, or other historical events from different perspectives. For example, students might draw an kissy face for the marriage between Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain from a Spanish perspective, while writing #Ohno #PowerUnite from a Muslim perspective. I also use platforms such as Fakebook and Faketwitter in the classroom, and will have students make tweets and historical Facebook pages between different players in major historical events. These lessons are alway fun because students engagement increases, and they are able to "translate" their reading or class material into their vernacular.
It also increases students interaction with different social media platforms for different purposes. I am excited because in a few weeks I am going to have them do a fake social media ad campaign for the Mongols.
Gale. (2014). Social Networking Advice for Teachers -. Retrieved February 26, 2016, from http://www.webwise.ie/teachers/social-networking-advice-for-teachers-2/
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ReplyDeleteAfter this week’s reading I feel neither concerned more or less about the risks of social media, as I will continue to use it for both business and personal use. I know not share anything that private that I do not want others to know. If it is one thing I have learned over the years with working with computers is that there is always someone smarter than me using one and it may not be for good means. It vital that we protect our computers and our data from virus and malware, and change passwords often in order to keep our information from harm’s way. I do not mind companies collect the user’s data and behaviors of surfing and purchasing online for their own use to sell me something that I might like.
ReplyDeleteHowever, what I dislike is when companies sell it without your permission. Many websites if designed properly will ask you to opt-in rather than opt-out from receiving information as emails and promos from them, but then they often turn around take your email and sell it for a profit to another company. Many subscription based magazines and newspapers and on line website s often buy and sell email databases. One of the biggest data brokers is Axicom and they earned $ 1.1 billion in sales of reselling consumer collected data. As per authors Ed Lavandera and Jason Morris, “Currently, there is no comprehensive federal regulation for data brokers” (cnn.com, 2012). Yes, I agree there should be some sort governmental guidelines enforced on companies to ensure the privacy of customers as well as posted policies so customers are aware of what is being happening behind the scenes online. For social media sites they are already stating they own our content, but what needs to be done is education for users to know the ramifications of share too much online.
References:
Lavandera, E. and Morris, J. (2012). Why big companies buy, sell your data. Retrieved from http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/23/tech/web/big-data-acxiom/
Nice point - there's always someone smarter using computers, not always for good means. I find that even though there are a lot of risks with using social media and providing personal information online, consumers will provide that information in exchange for services/benefits, and customized online experience (advertisements, etc.). I also prefer companies who follow an opt-in policy rather than opt-out policy. It would definitely help for companies to provide clearer privacy policies for consumers so they can be more aware of what they post online.
DeleteHi Shelby,
ReplyDeleteYes, we are what we publish and I agree with you that not everyone really needs to know what I had for breakfast, nor if I am in a relationship or not. MacAfee Consumer Blog on 15 social media tips gives it to us straight that we must, "realize that you can become a victim at any time" (Siciliano, 2011). We need to smarten up and protect ourselves, as after this week's reading I've learned that the social media sites do not, if anything criminals are lurking in dark spaces waiting for us to make a mistake.
As for the news this week, it is in my opinion, that Apple should work with the FBI, especially if the data found is going to help us be safer. The public doesn't need to know what is on that cell phone only the FBI lawyers involved in the case do.
I like IBM's story from (2011) that uses a different approach which is to not to tell students about the issues using social media, but to teach them how to manage their brand identity online. The IBM volunteers work together with students in Germany as to how to build their online presence correctly and build a good reputation of successful achievements for future job possibilities rather than disgracing themselves for all to see (IBM.com, 2011).
Here is ForDummies.com internet privacy cheat sheet that include protecting yourself not just on social media sites, but also how to keep your finances in check with online banking, trading, and shopping sites. http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/internet-privacy-for-dummies-cheat-sheet.html
References:
Siciliano, R. (2011, Jul. 13). Consumer blog - 15 social media security tips. Retrieved from https://blogs.mcafee.com/consumer/15-social-media-security-tips/
Ibm.com (2011, Sep.) Privacy is more than just keeping your data safe. Teaching kids how to manage their personal online “brand”. Retrieved from http://www-03.ibm.com/ibm/history/ibm100/us/en/service/stories/peter_september_2011.html
I am surprised so far that no one discussed the view about the military's use of social media. I found the U.S. Army Social Media Handbook interesting as the U.S. Army soldiers are encouraged to socially build historical data records via their accounts of current issues and places they were deployed to overseas , rather than just for speaking to their family. The Army has very tight control over the use of it with their strict policies. Each person who creates a page must submit it for approval by Department of Defense. I agree with the military that vital location of troops and status updates of information should not available to the public for their own protection. I do like the fact that technology and social media help the soldiers to quickly communicate with the loved ones back home (es.slideshare.net, 2014).
ReplyDeleteWhile the rules are in place for safe guards, there is always still someone that will break them. it is highly recommended for any business to establish social media policies with their employees and upper management , so that everyone is on the same page and avoid chaos in the future. A hot topic lately in the news, Is whether government should be monitoring social media sites more?
Refererences:
es.slideshare.net (2014, Mar.) U.S. Army social media handbook. Retrieved from http://es.slideshare.net/USArmySocialMedia/social-media-handbook32-38656179
It makes sense that the US Army has strict policies in place to protect the soldiers - and the country in general. Social media is global, and if our information was to reach our enemies, we could have some serious consequences. The US Army's policies are similar to Scott's recommendations to organizations, "implementing corporate policies saying such things as that employees can't sexually harass anyone, that they can't reveal secrets, that they can't use inside information to trade stock or to influence prices, and that they shouldn't talk ill of the competition in any way or via any media" (2015, p. 95).
DeleteIn regards to the government monitoring social media sites, they should not. Like Shelby suggests, the government should only be allowed to monitor its own personnel. Social media is used by individuals and companies alike, but the sites shouldn't be monitored, as the content may be interpreted the wrong way. If the government began monitoring social media, the next step would be to give them more control. The CBS show, Person of Interest, comes to mind... "You are being watched..." ;)
Shelby and Keri
DeleteI think your perspectives on the military are interesting. I had largely focused on how the handbook appeared to be a marketing tool. It encouraged only pro-US military messages and attitudes, and the use of brand names and logos. It really showed the business side of the military.
Shelby, I think it is interesting you state the government should not be watching civilians/ non governmental workers. I asked students this five years ago, and they all agreed. I asked students this year in an elite private school (all memories post- 9/11), and I would say it was split. I asked students last year in the south, and they were adamant about how the government NEEDS to watch being just in case. We talk a lot about freedom v security and how when the first is surrendered, it is hard to regain.
Shelby,
ReplyDeleteIt's great that you realized early on the risks to your personal privacy when providing information online. I agree with you about social media companies and the information they collect - the information they use should be limited to exactly what they need for research. As it mentions in the MDG Advertising infographic above, if social media companies gave users transparent, easy-to-use privacy controls, they might see an increase in user activity. As it now, users should be careful about what they post online.
I think social media companies do their best to put their privacy policies in place, since if they do not, they can get into serious trouble (as we've seen with Facebook in recent years). The real problem is that the majority of social media users don't read the privacy policies, they simply check the box to agree and complete their profiles, not really understanding if their account is private or public. One solution would be that companies could walk users through the account set-up process, explaining private and public options - before asking for personal profile information. It would definitely help users to learn more about privacy settings and watching what they post online.
ReplyDeleteSandy, I like the IBM example you brought up. It goes right along with Mitrano's opinion that we shouldn't keep youth from using and exploring new media/technology. The IBM article states, "Many adults are skeptical about benefits of social networks. But it’s part of our youth’s reality, and we better help them cope with it, instead of trying to keep them away” (para. 4). So much emphasis is put on the youth, but I think the same principles apply for anyone, at any age, starting to use social media. After all, it's becoming a reality for just about everyone.
ReplyDeleteShelby,
ReplyDeleteI also deleted many accounts or use different versions of my name. Until this class, I used K8 Watson as my name, or other adaptations, this helped hide it. It is interesting to me how many people want their lives plastered on the web, but to me I find it unsettling how much information can be learned about a person from the internet.
I agree about what your privacy warnings. I think it comes down to the idea that at the end of the day, we do not own this media. If you are communicating on someone else's platform, is the information ever really your own?
One of our classmates wrote a blog post about why personal social media policies matter (Postma, 2016). The post made me think about my own personal brand and what my online presence says about me. We live in a reality where whatever we post to the internet is live for all to see - for good and bad. It's very important to think before we publish anything online.
ReplyDeleteI came across an article on The Ladders blog titled, "Social Media Dos and Don'ts Every College Grad Should Know," which provided tips for keeping your online presence clean and professional (Augustine, n.d.). While employers are reviewing candidates' social media, it is increasingly important for individuals to develop their own personal social media policies to manage their online image/brand. Some of the tips offered were to keep your story consistent, remove any photos that paint you in a bad light, stop posting negative or hateful comments/status updates, don't use profanity, and keep your profile pic professional-looking (Augustine, n.d.). While these tips were intended for college grads seeking work, I think they are great to incorporate as personal social media policies.
Augustine, A. (n.d.). Social media dos and don'ts every college grad should know. The Ladders [Blog]. Retrieved from http://info.theladders.com/blog/bid/181047/Social-Media-Dos-Don-ts-for-the-Recent-Grad
Postma, S. (2016, February 26). Why personal social media policies matter [Blog post]. Retrieved from http://samipostma.blogspot.com/2016/02/for-those-of-you-who-know-much-about-me.html
ReplyDeleteKeri,
I like that you discuss the difference between having a personal and private account, but they still both exist in a form that other people can find.
This got me thinking about if there is really a private social media. I took a look at Cohen's article about what the expectations are for personal and professional media, but as you state it is still all out there at the end of the day.
If you take a look at Cohen's article she outlines how to position yourself professionally and personally. If you follow her guidelines however, you are still branding your personal self. She does not argue that your personal life is hidden and therefore you should be able to post whatever you like. Alas, that can be kept for scrap booking.
I wonder if people did post everything on social media, or vise versa, if it would influence marketing strategies.
Cohen, H. (2015). Social Media: Professional VS Personal - Heidi Cohen. Retrieved February 27, 2016, from http://heidicohen.com/social-media-professional-vs-personal/
Cohen, H. (2015). Social Media: Professional VS Personal - Heidi Cohen. Retrieved February 27, 2016, from http://heidicohen.com/social-media-professional-vs-personal/
Hey Kate, great article, thanks for sharing! Cohen has some great tips on posting for professional and personal social media accounts. I like how she quotes Dave Kerpen - to be likeable on social media. I think that really sums it up: be likeable. That covers professional and personal branding on social media channels.
ReplyDelete