Thing #18 Explore Social Networking

Here's the link to my profile. http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001829582467
Almost everything is imaginary. I didn't put anything of value on the Facebook account that is required to be completed for this exercise. I "liked" APSU and searched for politicians to add as friends, because politicians need all the friends they can get. Unfortunately, all one can do is "like" most of them. I did find several people that I know to add as friends, but didn't request that they friend me because they don't know my online imaginary profile. I only asked one person to friend me in order to complete the exercise.
I didn't have a facebook account prior to this exercise, and I did not, nor do I now, want one. I value my privacy, and I do not want my personal information displayed publicly for just anyone to see. I understand that one can limit the information that is displayed and to whom it is displayed. I actually read all of the information on the site. However, I'll bet not one other person actually read the sites policies. Particularly the information that is collected about you and how it is used. It's actually just a giant database tracking your every move. If a stranger were actually compiling information like that about you, I'll bet it would creep you out. Well, it creeps me out that a business like Facebook compiles information about me. It's way to Big Brother for me.
I understand that other people feel differently, and it's the social norm now. I say to each his own.
It's important for educators to know how social networking works because it is the societal norm now, and it's necessary to know how it works. If an educator is going to relate to his/her (particularly older) students, this knowledge is essential.
I learned that Facebook posts a lot of information to convince you they are guarding your privacy (see their home page) while they are actively collecting detailed information about you (read their policies).
I didn't like anything about either site. If you are into this sort of thing, I guess Facebook is the lesser of the two evils. It has the most useful features. At least with this site one has more control over who had access to their information and can contact them.
It would be possible for teachers and students to communicate using Facebook or MySpace, but I think there are better options for communication. I really think an educator should keep all communications with parents and students open, strictly professional and above reproach. And be very careful. It's possible for the most innocent and above board written communications to be misconstrued.
I suppose Facebook might be used to follow someone with connections to a unit of study. For example, scientists or journalists. However, I think following a blog set up for a specific purpose would be a better option.