One More Social Network Couldn't Hurt, But Email?

After reading an article in the Technology Section of the NY Times called Inbox 2.0: Yahoo and Google to Turn E-Mail Into a Social Network, it has become clear to me that social networking is growing nonstop and the technology for it has just begun to evolve. Just looking back at the days of simple communications through the internet with programs such as AOL or AIM where users can have a profile and customize it any way they like. Then sites like MySpace and Facebook, came into the picture and developed a basis for a community of individuals to become friends, share comments, and network. But that was only the beginning. Now I hear giants like Google and Yahoo want to turn their web-email services into social networks. This is definitely a great way to expand their business and make a ton of money, but are we ready for this? I have to say, it sounds like a great idea and I am all for having one easy page with everything I would want to check on it like iGoogle, but more. This is just the evolving technology and one more social network couldn't hurt. But there are dangers involved with expanding social networks this way. Overall, we need to look ahead and see what is best for the future.

Below is a great video about the dangers of social networking and they are outlined for each site based on case. Enjoy!

Blog On/ Blog Off: To What Degree Can My Blog Be Used Against Me?

So I am beginning to learn that this is an ongoing pattern. First it was Myspace, then Facebook, etc., and now my blog can be looked at and be used against me. Where is all the privacy? I am now learning that the Blog I am using for my class can be used against me in the future by employers, while I am only expressing my thoughts and opinions freely. I understand that I may say things others won't agree with but this is my blog and I should be allowed to speak my mind.

Employers can now even further invade your private life. After reading Joshua Porters post on "The Blog is the New Resume," many things came to mind. A blog can benefit an individual if the potential employer likes what the blogger is talking about; however if your the guy who brings up many controversial issues and say things other wont agree with, your less likely to be hired. Below are the main points he brought up from the original post by Bokardoan Adam Darowski.

1. Your blog represents you.

2. Your blog is serious business.

3. You blog is an archive.

4. Your blog isn’t the only mirror of your life.

5. Your blog is your unedited version of yourself.

He basically highlights the main points that a person should start a blog, but at their own risk. When ever you write something, you are giving your right away for others to read it and even though I don't agree with this, thats the way it is. We all just need to watch what we write and post on social networking sites and the internet in general because with the current technology available to employers, they can basically find anything. Be safe and be careful! Apparently your blog can be used as your resume'. Thats great if you are an active blogger and are blogging for a cause. As for me, I am doing this for a class and for fun. My blog is not intended for professional use, but for private use.


Below is a video with instructions on how to adjust your blogger privacy settings. It features Eric Case and he gives you a video tutorial on how to do so. This video is short and easy to follow. Enjoy!

Great...I Still Have No Privacy!!!!

Don't we all wish it was that easy? With the push of a button, we can have privacy on the computer!!

News Flash, that is not possible. Social Networking sites like facebook, myspace, etc., never delete your private information even if you delete your account. Servers run by these sites keep our private information and it never gets deleted. Yes, that means if you where to re-activate your account on one of theses sites, ALL of your information will be available. More information provided here.

This is very disturbing. Why would I want my private information, keyword: "PRIVATE," stored on a server? Most likely I deleted or deactivated the account for a reason and the reason was that I did not want others to see what I was like in my private life. I'm not the way I used to be. I am a completely different person. Now if i reactivate any of my accounts, there may be information posted that some employers may find unsuitable, however that is how I used to be. There is no need to let people know how I used to be because I have changed and can create a new account if I wanted to. No need for my information to be stored.

Now we have to think before we put pictures, comments, and personal information up on the internet because it never gets deleted. Its like there is always an eye watching you and tends to get very creepy...
Also be sure to watch this great video about internet privacy and what others think: