Stuart Harris .net

Why we need to keep check on the social media – and ourselves!

As Facebook once again comes under the spotlight with a lawsuit pending, it is quite clear that the dilemma of information sharing and privacy protection is always going to be a hot topic. And the fanatic pace of technological change impacting the internet arena, means that these issues will always identified after the event. Facebook is case in point, as they march on with the “this is what we are doing” demeanour, on the back of the mass “we are not really bothered” attitude by an extremely high percentage of Facebooks users.

Isn’t this what we are all supposed to be worried about? Isn’t Facebook the very large end of the wedge that drives in big brother. Considering that they will retain ownership of all your published (Facebook)information – even after you cease to be registered as a member – should be causing you to think twice about using Facebook – EVER!

I for one am avoiding it, and eagerly await the platforms that show more consideration to me about my information – for example “Got Access”.

Now don’t get me wrong. I happen to believe that Facebook is a great facility. There is many a time that I have considered with a weakening resolve to set up my account. After all Facebook appears to operate with a reasonably decent and responsible integrity, and the word from its executive of the day is “Trust us – we will look after your information”. But every time I start to go down that path, a little niggle triggers deep down and says “ You know better – think about tomorrow”.

And so isn’t this what is so deeply concerning about the internet overall. In our rush to absorb the technology, in our need to latch onto the latest commerce fad, in our blinded desire to participate with all that is new and wonderful, ….do we watch all our values sail out the window?

I’m glad the there are some who still step back enough to say that something is not quite right, and then are willing to test that in a conventional peoples representation – a court system.

And shame on us who have let it go and really should know better. There is something not right with what Facebook is doing and we all know it. Because it suits us to turn a blind eye, have we succumbed to being no better than the very social media icon we talk about so lovingly. And if so then don’t we deserve to have Facebook just the way it is?

I really hope not.

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