I find Facebook both useful and fun, yet often irritating and unsettling. This is similar to what Joke Bradt said in “E-Professionalism” and John Lawrence and Katrina McFerran also expressed in responses to that column. On the one hand, I think a legitimate need exists for online networking sites such as Facebook, as the occurrence of local communities dissolve and global, industrial communities take over. This sounds a bit harsh, however, there are some positives outcomes, as Joke, John, and Katrina have mentioned. As music therapists, we know more than others the human need for self-expression. While Facebook users may seem trivial in their endeavors with self-expression, it nevertheless provides a immediate and user-friendly platform for these pursuits. As an undergraduate music therapy student about to finish classes, begin an internship and start looking for work, I place tremendous value on any tool that helps me network with other professionals. Facebook serves as one of many options for this. Perhaps most significant is the overall increase in accountability online networkers have with people they know and don't know. People may communicate more honestly, as it seems easier to tell someone one's exact thoughts without them staring back at you.
My personal history with Facebook began when a college professor invited our class, which was small, to communicate assignments through Facebook. The professor's rationale for using Facebook was the fact that most students now communicate this way more frequently than email. I didn't object, although I felt somewhat reluctant. I knew that no matter how “secure” my settings were, a loss of privacy would ensue. Now that I have become more involved with Facebook, I've included among other things pictures of friends, family, and non-academic interests. But will my professors, who are also my Facebook friends, look at these pictures and wonder if I ever study? Or will they celebrate the fact that I study quite a bit but also try to strike a balance between studying and other aspects of life?
The lack of professionalism and problems of misunderstanding already discussed seem to be serious indeed. For example, a friend's Facebook comments regarding his disagreements with certain decisions made in his office resulted in an immediate demotion and pressure to find a new job. Another friend started an online argument with a pastor of a church and hasn't felt welcome in that church since, especially since this pastor called him and threatened him and his family. A different friend enjoys posting political opinions which, although controversial to some, often inspire thought-provoking feedback. For many who disagree with him, his comments elicit resentment, especially considering the fact that he is in a position of leadership. One mutual friend responded to me in private, “His comments are mean-spirited and stupid!”
Facebook, perhaps as it is a new way to explore the past and make new connections in the present, seems like an online, tamer version of a Spaghetti Western. Everyone can carry a “gun” and say whatever they want to say to an audience. The consequences for impulsivity, however, which most people seem vulnerable to at some level, can lead to one's ending up with a “record.” I have heard one employer state quite clearly that part of a background check would include looking at a student's Facebook profile. While I find this kind of discrimination unfair and unsettling, we may find more and more employers moving in this direction.
It seems from the previous responses that Facebook users can use this service effectively and responsibly. Katrina gave an important challenge for those using Facebook profiles for the purpose of making character assessments on others. She challenges such users to consider the differences across culture, gender, age, and background when determining the social appropriateness of online behavior. This seems equally important as the challenge to behave responsibly online, considering others' judgments of what we post. John Lawrence's suggestion to “control content” by dividing an online profile into two accounts, one personal and the other professional, would perhaps be a step in the right direction. Many friends now encourage me to use LinkedIn for professional networking rather than Facebook. After reading this article and its responses, I will at the very least take extra care in participating on Facebook with thoughtfulness and respect for others.
About Armistead Grandstaff
Biography
Music therapy student at the University of Louisville.
I find Facebook both useful and fun, yet often irritating and unsettling. This is similar to what Joke Bradt said in “E-Professionalism” and John Lawrence and Katrina McFerran also expressed in responses to that column. On the one hand, I think a legitimate need exists for online networking sites such as Facebook, as the occurrence of local communities dissolve and global, industrial communities take over. This sounds a bit harsh, however, there are some positives outcomes, as Joke, John, and Katrina have mentioned. As music therapists, we know more than others the human need for self-expression. While Facebook users may seem trivial in their endeavors with self-expression, it nevertheless provides a immediate and user-friendly platform for these pursuits. As an undergraduate music therapy student about to finish classes, begin an internship and start looking for work, I place tremendous value on any tool that helps me network with other professionals. Facebook serves as one of many options for this. Perhaps most significant is the overall increase in accountability online networkers have with people they know and don't know. People may communicate more honestly, as it seems easier to tell someone one's exact thoughts without them staring back at you.
My personal history with Facebook began when a college professor invited our class, which was small, to communicate assignments through Facebook. The professor's rationale for using Facebook was the fact that most students now communicate this way more frequently than email. I didn't object, although I felt somewhat reluctant. I knew that no matter how “secure” my settings were, a loss of privacy would ensue. Now that I have become more involved with Facebook, I've included among other things pictures of friends, family, and non-academic interests. But will my professors, who are also my Facebook friends, look at these pictures and wonder if I ever study? Or will they celebrate the fact that I study quite a bit but also try to strike a balance between studying and other aspects of life?
The lack of professionalism and problems of misunderstanding already discussed seem to be serious indeed. For example, a friend's Facebook comments regarding his disagreements with certain decisions made in his office resulted in an immediate demotion and pressure to find a new job. Another friend started an online argument with a pastor of a church and hasn't felt welcome in that church since, especially since this pastor called him and threatened him and his family. A different friend enjoys posting political opinions which, although controversial to some, often inspire thought-provoking feedback. For many who disagree with him, his comments elicit resentment, especially considering the fact that he is in a position of leadership. One mutual friend responded to me in private, “His comments are mean-spirited and stupid!”
Facebook, perhaps as it is a new way to explore the past and make new connections in the present, seems like an online, tamer version of a Spaghetti Western. Everyone can carry a “gun” and say whatever they want to say to an audience. The consequences for impulsivity, however, which most people seem vulnerable to at some level, can lead to one's ending up with a “record.” I have heard one employer state quite clearly that part of a background check would include looking at a student's Facebook profile. While I find this kind of discrimination unfair and unsettling, we may find more and more employers moving in this direction.
It seems from the previous responses that Facebook users can use this service effectively and responsibly. Katrina gave an important challenge for those using Facebook profiles for the purpose of making character assessments on others. She challenges such users to consider the differences across culture, gender, age, and background when determining the social appropriateness of online behavior. This seems equally important as the challenge to behave responsibly online, considering others' judgments of what we post. John Lawrence's suggestion to “control content” by dividing an online profile into two accounts, one personal and the other professional, would perhaps be a step in the right direction. Many friends now encourage me to use LinkedIn for professional networking rather than Facebook. After reading this article and its responses, I will at the very least take extra care in participating on Facebook with thoughtfulness and respect for others.