I do not use Facebook as much as most people at Purdue but I do have an account that could possibly reveal quite a bit of personal information about who I am. Some of the information available on my Facebook page accurately represents me and some of it makes me seem like someone I am not. I believe that my profile page describes me pretty well. I list my interests, activities, favorite music etc. and nothing is really offensive or misleading or would cause someone who does not know me to form a bad opinion of me. There is a bit of humor in my favorite quote, “It is better to be pissed off than pissed on.” I do worry that this may turn off someone looking at my profile with the intent to gather information about me before considering me for a job but I think it is a funny quote that I can relate to so I choose to leave it on. The groups I am a member of accurately represent me and also make me seem a little more on the serious side. Most of my groups are related to on campus organizations I belong to which would look good to a potential employer. I have done my best to make my photo albums as tasteful as possible because there was a time last year when the dean of student activities tried to get my fraternity in trouble by printing pictures off of brother’s facebook pages that showed underage drinking and hazing. Most of my photos are from my travels around Europe this summer, which I believe would tell someone who doesn’t know me that I am adventurous and open to new and exciting experiences. One problem with some of these pictures is that I am holding a pint, can, bottle, or wine glass but they are all tasteful so I chose to leave them up.
So what would a person who doesn’t know me think about me after viewing my facebook profile? He or she would see that I am an out of state student who is involved on campus and loves to travel and do things outdoors. He would see that my hobbies include things like golf and fishing and that I like a wide variety of music. After looking at my pictures, a person would know that I love to travel and also have a good time with friends. The overall view of me based on my facebook profile would be a positive one.
I have done my best to insure that the content of my facebook account does not portray me in a negative way but I have taken this a step further by using the highest level of privacy possible and also blocking a number of administrators at Purdue completely. No one can view any of my content unless I am friends with him. I believe that the combination of security measures and my choice of content to display keeps me from having any negative consequences due to my membership of the online community.
Comments
Had Fun with Facebook
Reading your comment on facebook it seems like you really had a lot of fun and the description really tells you have really paid all attention to make to fun and full. I respect this attitude in people who have sincerity in the work they do. The way you have compiled your facebook with all details and photographs and at same time being cautious about security and responsibility is really commentable.
Facebook Comments
Charles:
I think it sounds like you use facebook frequently and use it for social communication, which is what it should be used for. I guess if you have had problems with your fraternity maybe just be careful, but I don't think anyone needs to tell you that. I think the discussion today in class was good, especially for everyone who doesn't know how filtered facebook is.