Facebook Issues
Facebook: the world’s most popular social-networking site that pretty much everyone uses on a daily-basis, and for free. Not only does it easily enable us to send messages to one another and keep track of what our friends are up to—including viewing their photographs and contact information—it also enables predators to find and research potential victims. How can you know who has really added you as a friend? How can you be certain of the identity of this person?
It’s a dilemma which is presently in the media-eye and is sure to continue for some time, what with the recent tragedies that have been in the news.
It’s an extremely thorny issue, but one thing is certain. With every appearance of new technology there have been those who find ways to take advantage of it. Look at the humble phone-book for example; before it appeared it was very difficult to find out someone’s address, and afterwards you could do so in a matter of seconds. And what about the freedom of information act? Without even speaking to a human being it’s possible to trawl the internet using Google and find out an infinite amount of information that was previously kept hidden.
So in a way it isn’t Facebook’s fault at all. But that doesn’t absolve them of responsibility, of course. The fact that anyone can sign up and can do so easily without having to identify themselves means that those looking to take advantage can do so easily, and, more shockingly, almost legally.
So the eternal question: should Facebook now tighten up their security? Well, one things for sure. It doesn’t matter how tight they make their security, people with malevolent ideas will always find a way to break through it.
Right before I log off, I need to congratulate myself. I have just bought the nicest saucony running shoes that I have ever owned. Parks Marathon, here I come!