What you can – and can’t – do on Facebook
June 2, 2009 by Geneva ReidPosted in: In this week's e-newsletter, Latest News & Views, Tech News
Gone are the days when the biggest etiquette question was which fork to use. Facebook, LinkedIn and other social networks have raised new concerns.
Do you know what’s OK – and what isn’t?
The biggest issue when you’re part of social networking is deciding which colleagues or personal friends you want to connect with.
Here’s some basic advice from Computerworld.com:
- Be discerning about the people you choose to “friend.” Don’t count on privacy settings. Yes, they exist – but they’re not foolproof. Keep in mind: It’s always possible for a third party to access the info on your site.
- If someone wants to “friend” you – but you’re not interested – state your policy clearly. For example: It’s OK to tell someone you don’t include work contacts on Facebook.
- If you don’t want to accept someone’s invitation, don’t ignore them. The polite thing to do is respond to the invite (unless it’s a canned invitation from someone who clearly doesn’t know you).
- When turning down an invitation, suggest an alternative. If you don’t want to connect with colleagues on Facebook, you might suggest connecting with them on LinkedIn.
What sticky situation have you come across when using Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Tags: facebook, LinkedIn, social networking
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June 4th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Just wanted to make a comment. Facebook or any other site like twitter is not really confidential unless its a secured website. If you don’t want any and everyone to know your business, then don’t create an account. Its all fun and games to me and I think people take it too seriously.
June 4th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
I use facebook to connect with long lost relatives and co-workers! How do you tell a co-worker NO?? especially a ‘boss?” – I just don’t put anything on there I wouldn’t want everyone in the world to see. Nor do I state my political views (too strongly) or any view – for that matter. Remember – if you don’t want the world to see it – don’t post it. Look at those terribly embarrassing photos of that suspected killer Casey Anthony. Most of CNN doesn’t realize that just about every college female student has photos posted exactly like those. Just say no to T&A and party pics.
June 4th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
If your privacy is a real concern, create a personal Facebook and a professional Facebook. I have done that recently and it is working well. Another colleague uses Facebook for fun and Linked In for professional relationships.
June 5th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
I don’t use facebook, but I know a lot of people who do use it to connect with others in their families long distance. The people I know have shown me lots of facebook pages that are absolutely appalling. There are so many people who do not have a clue about self respect. All I can say is “Someone is always looking and it may not be the person you want viewing the pictures or words written on that page”.