What is Social Media?

Social media includes web-based and mobile technologies used to turn communication into interactive dialogue that allows the creation and exchange of user-generated content."^[1] Social media is media for social interaction. Social media has substantially changed the way organizations, communities, and individuals communicate.^[2]

Source:  Wikipedia: Social Media http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_media

Social Media includes: Facebook, wikis, twitter, blogs, Google Plus, YouTube, wikipedia, google docs,..... Basically, social media includes any online digital media that allows users to network, collaborate and share ideas.

What is a Social Networking Site?

social networking (uncountable)

1. The interaction between a group of people who share a common interest.
2. Using social contacts to network.
3. (Internet, business) Using internet's network groups (such as Facebook and Twitter) to network and communicate using shared interests, related skills, or goegraphical location between consumers and businesses.

                                                           from Wiktionary -Social Networking

A good example of a social networking site is facebook or myspace.

Why use a social networking site?

• its fun
• great place to meet and talk with family and friends
• the online applications are fun - games, surveys etc.

What are the drawbacks of using a site like facebook?

• Once you post something its no longer under your control
• Personal information can  be stolen from you
• People can hide their real identity

How do I stay protect myself online?

• Create a Postive online profile: Onlne Profile Checklist 

How do I set a strong password?

• Creating a good password:  Creating a Strong Password

Facebook and Privacy:

• A Simple Facebook Privacy Quiz:  ACLU Facebook Privacy Quiz
• What are the Facebook Privacy Settings?
• 10 Facebook Privacy Settings Every User should Know
• 10 Facebook Privacy  Settings Every User Should Know (Video)
• The Facebook Security Page
• Connect Safely 
• Facebook for Parents 

Personal Privacy

Personal privacy speaks to the security of our personal information.  The key factor in determining how secure our information is on the web is determined by how much information we are willing to share.  When you post something -  text, photo or video - on the internet whether on a blog or facebook or any discussion board you have to expect that you have lost control of that information.  Information and files can be copied with a simple right click.... so you have to expect that copies can be readily made of anything you post.  Our personal responsibility is to realize this and be cautious about what we post and who is actually seeing it.

The following video illustrates this point: 

Your Online Presence

Your Online Identity - Kids Health online

Back to Cyberbullying and Personal Privacy