My Social Media Policy

1. Connecting: [So...tell me about yourself]

When I connect with someone in social networking my first goal is learn about the person. If we have a common interest it is there that we go from. If we do not, sometimes a little action is taken to understand if there is anything in common.

2. Follow, add, friend: [Do I really want you "following me?"]

I am very hesitant about accepting friend requests from people that I do not. I tend to not add people that I do not know, for safety reasons. However, if I know you then I will allow you to “follow” me and I will definitely communicate back as soon as I can. I do not automatically deny you if I am unaware of who you are. If there are common friends or interests then I look into the situation.

3. Privacy, boundaries and safety: [STOP!]

I am strongly against putting my phone number on websites. I am also strongly against putting my address. General areas are fine such as “Statesboro, Ga”, however I do not feel that it is necessary to give every specific detail. Social networking can be very beneficial, but at the same time can be very harmful. I do not post things that I would not normally say outloud. I am also very against posting pictures of illegal activites.

4. Signal to noise: [you are getting on my nerves.]

One thing that irritates me very bad is when “pEoPlE tYpE lIkE tHiS!”I feel as though MySpace reaches out to a younger aged audience therefore I do not use my MySpace. I am also annoyed by those who update their status every 6 minutes and give everyone their minute by minute play. That is not necessary. I also hate when people say “I’m getting off text me (and have their number on there.)” I prefer Facebook because I feel as though it is primarily used by college students, and adults. The maturity level is much higher, and it less confusing than MySpace.

5. Personal data and sharing: [let me tell you a story...]

My personal goal for social networking is to stay in touch with friends that I do not see regularly. I believe the internet is an amazing way to communicate with others that are all over the map. I also feel as though it is a fun and entertaining way to get to know others better.

6. My networking needs and uses: [Facebook vs Myspace]

“Facebooking” has become a hobby of mine. I use Facebook almost everyday, for long periods of time. I think that Facebook is more mature and does not have all the extra useless things on it that Myspace does. I rarely get on Myspace. I think that Myspace is better for listening to music than it is for communicating.

7. Do you use Social Media for the wrong reasons?

I believe that social networking is an amazing thing that people of our generation have, that others did not. However, I feel that people should be more aware of the things that follow when they expose themselves to the internet. Whatever is said on the internet can stay with them for a lifetime. Bullying is a problem on the internet…since you said it on the internet, would you say it to their face?

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