The Read-Write Web

As a user of MySpace, Facebook, and Xanga, it seems to me that the whole controversy over the safety and privacy of these sites should be of little or no concern to people – if they use them wisely and are careful about the content that is displayed.

People looking for attention often find ways to exploit themselves, even if the information is not accurate. This leads to problems when employers and college recruiters and admissions offices begin searching these sites. Users need to begin using common sense about how they set up their profiles. If explicit content is going to be posted, they should set their privacy up so that only accepted friends can see their profile.

Nevertheless, companies and colleges should not base their decisions on what they find on sites like MySpace and Facebook. As Maureen Crawford Hentz said, what is posted on these sites does not necessarily give an accurate description of their work ethics. For example, one of my coworkers likes to post pictures of and leave comments while at parties, giving them a seemingly wild personality. In reality, this person is a diligent employee that is looked up to by all of his peers.

If there is any reason that companies and colleges should be monitoring blogs, it is to monitor misuse. American Eagle store 721 had a problem with some of its employees spreading rumors about the store managers and the company itself. In this case, using Facebook to monitor activity is justified. Until this becomes the issue, blog sites should be kept a place where people can feel unrestricted to portray themselves however they want.