I signed up to Facebook a week ago although I had some concerns not only because of its privacy problems but also due to the cultural background as a Saudi woman which puts some constraints on what is appropriate and inappropriate for women to do/reveal on such a public space. To what extent of yourself you'll be giving away publicly is important to be determined before you start creating your profile. Revealed information of your physical and emotional existence should be handled sensitively especially after the latest amendment to Facebook terms of use. They basically state that all the content you put in your page is theirs and they "own this content". These were drawn back ans the older terms and conditions are in place now untill they resolve the issues with the new terms and conditions of use however, one must be absolutely sure about what to share in case such terms make a come back!
the other privacy issue I have with facebook is that friends of your friends can see your photos if the mutual friends commented on yours and they can get through a back door to your entire album. This clearly contradicts a person's intended privacy level if set to "friends only can view this".
However, I feel ready to start a facebook account now!! To avoid the headache I decided the best approach was to keep it simple and I'll be adding features and applications later to it.
Of course I can not evaluate all of the Facebook features and applications and most importantly the dynamics of interaction from only one week but I can probably express my impression about it as an emerging technology which I have been watching my family using it for more than 2 years. Facebook is an amazing site for communication with friends and family, finding old friends and meeting new ones. It is also a place for informal learning and experience exchanging.
I joined a Photography group and observed it for a couple of days. I was amazed to see that the group has 5,154 active members with a potential to put all their experiences, knowledge, practical tips to create certain effects, thoughts and work for public to benefit from. One of the members has put an electronic photography book so members can ask to email it to them. Others are sharing photos. The discussion board is a really educating place for people who love photography.. like me.
I had a different idea about the groups, I thought it was a waste of time but now I think there is a place for those with similar interests and could prove to be beneficial in a way or another.
Eman I'm really glad to read this because I have to consider the cultural aspects of Facebook for my students in the UAE who are young Emirati ladies. Really I don't think it's a tool I can use with them in its current form. It's great to read about Facebook from your perspective.
ReplyDeleteSalaam - I'm not sure that I can find an educational use for Facebook in its current form here in the UAE, either. There are too many cultural sensitivity issues, so at the present time, I would avoid using it in a public in a classroom.
ReplyDeleteI'll echo Rachel's and Asif's comments - the bulk of the technologies that i have seen (and use) are designed from a western perspective and, most of the times, are not culturally appropriate. Issues surrounding this topic are simply waiting to be researched if any of you are in the hunt for dissertation ideas...
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