SNS

The privacy issue concerning the popular SNS, Facebook, is a popular issue in todays society. I have been a Facebook user since I was a sophomore in high school, once I decided Myspace was “uncool” and no longer for me. Back then, I did not pay much attention to privacy settings and wanted everyone to see my profile. As years progressed, I began editing my settings to limit my presence. Today, I find myself utilizing every privacy setting offered and rejecting friend requests. 

My experience with Facebook reflects the points that boyd and ellison make and differ from my experience with myspace and the article I selected. Similar to the information Boyd and Ellison provide, I joined Facebook in high school after administration allowed me access to my network but was not able to completely share my profile with the public. On the other hand, I did not join Myspace because of bands and musicians but for the simple reason that everyone was doing it. My experience with Myspace, however, differs from some of those explained by Boyd and Ellison as well as the article I selected. I was not a victim of another adult predator nor was I assaulted. Instead, I used the advice given by Myspace and used internet safety and common sense to the best of my teenage ability.

Although Boyd and Ellison incorporate “Hacking” into their view on privacy, my main concern has always been others viewing my profile and obtaining my personal information.  The article states that “ The term "Friends" can be misleading, because the connection does not necessarily mean friendship in the everyday vernacular sense, and the reasons people connect are varied (boyd, 2006a).” I agree with this statement that Boyd makes because I experience it daily. When scrolling through my friend list, I do not know half of the people on it and I know I certainly do not have a few hundred friends.