Facebook, one of the world’s most recognizable words and most used and talked about Websites, is the center of a debate that has perplexed millions of us. Many sites have published articles favoring the site and calling out others who are attempting to drag it down. For example, TechDirt, refutes productivity loss reports against Facebook and TechCrunch reported that Facebook has witnessed an 89% increase in unique visitors and that Facebook is getting a whopping 15.8 billion page views. The marketing blog Hubspot also talks about the pro’s of businesses using Facebook.
As no surprise to many of us, the media will quickly report negative news over a touchy-feely story. And that leaves many of us wondering, is Facebook really a detriment to our lives, our work, our job security? Or is Facebook’s ever-growing popularity enticing the media to exaggerate each negative detail until we finally stop logging in? Hence, here are the Top 10 Lives, Businesses & Reputations Ruined Due to Facebook and while these stories are true – you can make your own decision on whether or not Facebook is to blame.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gtp_XI8HzQ4[/youtube]
10. Salisbury University President – Janet Dudley-Eshbach
A few simple family vacation photos with questionable captions became the talk of the town when they were posted on Facebook by Janet Dudley-Eshbach. News stations were questioning the captions which referred to ‘beating off Mexicans’ and the photos were quickly removed. As far as the public is aware, Janet was not forced to resign or punished in any way. However, it’s possible that her reputation is viewed differently by the students and, in time, her highly regarded position may be affected.
9. KentState Athletes
Ars Technica reported in ’06 that Kent State athletes were banned from using Facebook because the University was concerned over the safety of their athletes and the risk the Facebook poses on making it easier for fans to contact them. Another mentioned reason for the ban was the University’s reputation and the fear of it being tainted by having prospective students and their parents view what current students are partaking in while enrolled at Kent State. The problem that I have with this (and why it’s in the top 10) is if Kent State was truly concerned about student safety, then they wouldn’t want anyone (not just athletes) using Facebook. Just because athletes are more in the public eye, does not mean that any non-athletic student should be guided with the same protection. Also, I think the decision relied heavier on the reputation. My prediction is that if we did some digging, Kent State officials may know of some content that has made it to the online prime-time and this is their way of keeping it undercover.
8. Miss New Jersey– Amy Polumbo
She didn’t lose her crown but many believe she lost a good standing reputation. It has been said that people are not looking at her as ‘inappropriate’ yet, they are viewing her as less-intelligent for many reasons. First of all, if you are “Miss (Any State or County)” you shouldn’t be taking pictures that are the least bit questionable and posting them on Facebook. And believe it or not, the fact that the photos were more ridiculous than anything is what brings Amy’s credibility down as a decent state representative. There is talk that there are more photos (claimed to be racier although that wouldn’t be hard to do) and those allegations will never go away. Rivaling beauty queens and money-hungry paparazzi will do what it takes to dig up any dirt that has yet to be uncovered.
7. Former Adelphi University Mentor – Andrew Smith-Trevino
By now, we should all be well-aware that what you do online can be detrimental to anyone’s career. The Tech Brief previously featured ‘How to Be Successful on Myspace’ and it clearly states not to post pictures of yourself in questionable situations because you can loose your job. The same tip can be used for Facebook and Andrew Smith-Trevino learned that lesson the difficult way. Because of a strict ‘dry residence hall’ policy at the University – Andrew was fired after officials saw a picture posted on Facebook of Andrew standing in a residence hall holding an alcoholic beverage. Andrews’ peers were outraged but he had no choice but to plead no contest.
6. Accused Cincinnati Teacher
Three Ohio teens now have a court record and suspension stamp in their school folder over posting a picture and real name of one of their teachers, claiming he was a pedophile. After a court hearing, the boys avoided expulsion yet the true victim is the teacher. This hurtful speech, eternally documented photo and demeaning title are in the record books. The teacher did receive an apology letter from the students…does that make it all better?
5. USC Football Player – Clay Matthews
Stigmas are virtually impossible to erase, especially if you are recognized as a stereotype that seemingly and repeatedly will outrage an enormous amount of individuals. The Daily Trojan recently reported on the story of a USC football player, Clay Matthews, and his grand idea to create a group based on an inside joke that the team shared after a black team member nicknamed his white team members “White Nation.” Clay Matthews, who was part of “White Nation”, created a Facebook group which depicted a photograph of a black baby in handcuffs and the caption read, “Arrest black babies before they become criminals.” This un-thought out action obviously triggered an outrage in the Facebook community, fellow USC students and anyone else who wasn’t aware of the inside joke. Attacking groups were created and people sought to have Clay punished. No major action was taken, Clay apologized, yet – his actions affected prospective students’ decisions in attending USC and some people will unfortunately always view Clay as a racist.
4. Porn Industry
In a report by Susan Quinn of AOL, Facebook had previously filled suit over a Canadian Internet porn company for attempting to hack into Facebook to obtain users’ personal information. However, not everyone knows that lawsuits are not the only threat that Facebook fronts against the porn industry. TIME recently reported that Facebook is more popular than porn and recent Hitwise ranking reports are showing 18-24 year olds are visiting Facebook more than the once popular adult entertainment Websites.
3. Chattanooga Cyber Bully Victim
It is sad that postings on the Internet can have this much impact on another individual. Originally reported by WBIR in Knoxville, TN – The case of a 14-year old girl stabbing a 15-year old classmate after the 15-year old posted a message on Facebook that the younger girl didn’t like. The 14-year old girl (obviously not named) has been charged with aggravated assault and thankfully the 15-year old is fine. The report did not mention what the comment was regarding; however, I can’t imagine anything being as detrimental in word-form that would invoke someone to potentially threaten another’s life.
2. Anglo Irish Bank Intern – Kevin Colvin
I don’t have to explain why Kevin Colvin made it as number two on the countdown, this picture says it all. But the general mishap took place when Kevin reported to his manager at Anglo Irish Bank that he would be missing work due to a ‘family emergency’. Later, this incriminating photo turned up on Facebook of Kevin attending a Halloween party (which subsequently took place at the same time of the so-called emergency). Not only do you not want to get caught in a lie at work but most importantly, you do not want this picture floating around the Internet.
1. Facebook Founder – Mark Zuckerberg
Yes, I did it. I placed Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg as number one and here’s why. Yes, he is worth over a billion dollars in his young twenties. Yes, it has been said that he owns the next Google. However, think about it for a bit. Every day, his site is attached by wannabe hackers which cost him $5,000 to investigate every hacking attempt. Not to mention his difficulty in hiring trustworthy individuals to handle the code in the first place. Companies are also attacking Facebook constantly and blaming the site for every pitfall known to man. The blog Switched reports that according to a new study by an employment law firm, approximately $264 million U.S. dollars are lost in man hours because of Facebook. Resulting in the site being restricted in many workplaces and even trickling down to having personal email banned as well. Maybe companies should let their workers use Ubernote or Stixy for time management? Mr. Zuckerberg tops the list because no matter how grand an application Facebook has become, he will never escape it. He will forever be haunted of the people that have lost their jobs due to unproductive work or stupidity, their spouses to infidelity and their sanity due their Facebook addiction.
If you’ve been under a rock and haven’t visited a social networking site, try these:
