I would like to pick up with a comment that was made during our last class meeting… We discussed how photos and personal details on social networking sites like Facebook or MySpace shape how we want to be perceived. It was then questioned as to whether people actually change who they are to appear a certain way in Facebook photos. I thought about this quite a bit outside of class.
As a Facebook profile holder, I choose what photos I want to be viewed by friends and acquaintances in my network. I took a quick inventory of my photos… there are the ones on the beach, pics of me in a canoe, out at the bar, and a few others of family and friends. To me, they seem innocent enough. In other words, I would not feel self-conscious of my grandma seeing them- which is the true test for what you should or should not post on-line.
Taking a gander at some other Facebook accounts, I do find more “outlandish” activity. I will pick on the obvious drunk photos (we’re talking beer bongs, puking, and plain old passed out people with sharpie mustaches). Now, we all know that employers often look on Facebook, or Google Images to scan job applicants. However, even if you are not applying for a job, there are several other elders in ones community that could pass by these photos- teachers, neighbors, adult family members (your grandma), parents of friends… the list goes on.
So, going back to my original message here- perception of a person based off of Facebook or MySpace photos. I think that Facebook is growing more than people recognize. It is not a cozy niche for friends to share photos and personal conversation- it is a largely public forum where everyone from your boss to your grandma can surf. Therefore, give your photos a grandma check- would she approve?
Adios, Lindsey
Nicely done!