Social Networking Sites Small Group Activity Socialware Tutorial HICSS 2007

Social Networking Sites and University Policy After a series of embarrassing incidents the Board of Trustees of State U. have asked you to form a task force to address problems related to the use of Facebook, MySpace, and other Social Networking Sites Your task is to consider what actions can be taken to reduce these incidents

Problems to Address Graduating senior lose job offers after employers see compromising photos on social networking sites. An editorial in the student newspaper describes the use of social networking sites by employers to investigate applicants as “unethical and illegal.” Students have complained that Safety Office uses Social Networking Sites “to spy on them” and shut down parties. The Athletic Director has requested that all athletes be banned from using Social Networking Sites. The Dean of Students must handle numerous complaints regarding insulting and potential libelous photos and comments posted about other students. Several stalking incidents appear related to information posted on victim’s profile regarding their class schedule and dorm location.

What do you recommend? Outline a response and/or policy changes that address the following:  Describe conduct policy and/or recommendations for students  Address use of profiles by potential employers and school safety officers  Identify safety guidelines regarding stalking  Define standards of civility towards other members of the school community, including students, faculty and staff

Resources “Thoughts on Facebook,” Cornell U. Division of ITThoughts on Facebook “Facebook Not For Employers,” Stanford Student NewspaperFacebook Not For Employers, Social networking safety tips, OnGuard Online (Federal govt. site) Social networking safety tips “Kent State Bans Facebook for Athletes”Kent State Bans Facebook for Athletes “Scenes From the MySpace Backlash,” Wired NewsScenes From the MySpace Backlash