Essay on Facebook Case Study

Submitted By VickyKhamvongsa1
Words: 1475
Pages: 6

Facebook, founded by Mark Zuckerberg in 2004, is hands-down the most popular social networking site in operation. Not only has it drawn the attention of it's targeted college students but parents and even college professors have become captivated by the site. Not only does facebook continually able to expand their registration count but they continue to develop features that keep an audience glued to the screen for hours on end. The consistent cycle of posting, responding, and liking seems to have created a dilemma to which people would rather post their problems on facebook rather than seeking consultation through a more private setting with loved ones and relatives. But can effective communication really strive within Facebook? The allure of social media is its promise for a better connection with others. Just about everyone interacts through a certain stream of social networking. Whether its Twitter, google plus, Instagram or Facebook there is an importance in having a line of communication, as well as a channel, where people can respond to in todays society. Peer-to peer communication is by far the most common source of communication when using social media sites like Facebook. In the case of Facebook, tools such as the “status update” link allows the poster a secure sense of accompaniment. Updating a status allows users to post their current situations on their profiles “wall” for their friends to view and respond to. The instant gratification the site provides is what seems to be making it so addicting. By receiving a “like” or pleasant comment the user pockets a boost in their self-esteem and so the cycle continues with the next post. The tool “share” allows you to post or repost anything you find interesting or beneficial to your page which gives one a sense of contribution and by receiving a response to a comment you made on another users site the individual gains a sense of acceptance. After all, we are creatures that crave human interactions. Direct messages sent through Facebook are sometimes more convenient than opening up an email account. The disadvantage of an email source, such as google, is the mob of messages, some of which unknown and most of which is spam, that come flowing in while Facebook limits the messages to members whose profiles are merely a click away. The chat application provides users a quick and easy way to start a conversation through different times zones across the globe. Also, video chat is available and its usage can be performed through laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Another example of Facebook's ability to create effective communication is through advertisement. Anyone from protesters trying to spread awareness to politicians trying to gain supporters are using this site so to start discussions or plan events. To conclude, effective communication through Facebook is definitely plausible. Social networking services broaden the circle of people we have the opportunity to meet to near limitless possibilities. We are no longer restricted to just people in our neighborhood, religious sanctions, school or workplaces to provide the interaction we needed. Now onto the this issue of managing the user confidentialities. Nothing on Facebook is completely private. Even when you refer to settings, if you could ever find them, and set all of the options to either only “friends” or “only me” there is still no certain way the post is secured. A friend who is using a Facebook app could be allowing your data to be transferred to a third party without your knowledge. Theres still the issue of the “like button” feature. The option allows you to like another users, or your own, post. It seems like a good idea at first but the problem is that the button tracks user habits. By “liking” a page, entering personal data (such as birth date, email, phone number, etc.), and posting your daily activities you're openly disclaiming personal information about yourself to insurers, employers,