Social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace are in a unique position. They have the potential to jump start careers, or ruin them before they have even begun.
A loophole was recently discovered in Facebook’s security policy, which allowed strangers to view personal photos and information of users. Facebook reported that the problem was fixed within an hour. “We take privacy very seriously and continue to make enhancements to the site,” said a Facebook spokeswoman. The quick response was impressive, but how long will it be until someone else with too much spare time discovers another way to beat the system?
I believe that it is Facebook’s responsibility to not only stay ahead of potential hackers, but to also educate its users (through seminars or online tutorials for example). Most teens like myself create their accounts while in high school and post all kinds of images without the slightest pause. Some may believe that the risks are obvious, but let me assure you, high school students are not thinking about how their current online actions and activities could potentially affect their future careers ten years down the road. Employers research applicants before even inviting them for an interview, though, and make character judgments based on what they find. The user is, without a doubt, responsible for what he or she posts online and needs to be smart about it, many of my peers just don’t understand the ramifications.
As we’ve seen, though, even when we do grasp the ramifications, we are vulnerable. The loophole in Facebook’s security policy is frightening to me and my friends. Another one of my biggest concerns is that once information is uploaded, it’s nearly impossible to erase. As our generation enters the workforce, it will be interesting to see what kind of damage will be done by social networking sites. Or perhaps our social generation, used to living their lives in “public,” will be much more immune to scandal?
- NGT Correspondent, College Sophomore
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