Exploring the Online Identity Ecosystem
We all know what it’s like to forget our username or password for one of the dozens of online accounts we access on a regular basis. From ebay and Linked-in to Twitter and vimeo, our online information is often organized into silos disconnected from one another and requiring separate log-in practices. The “Identity 2.0” movement calls for […]
The online crusader
You may have never heard of Christopher Soghoian but if you ever run into him, be sure to thank him for protecting your privacy. The 30-year-old technologist and PhD candidate was recently highlighted in a Wired Magazine article for his tenacious crusade in the name of online privacy. While many of us are busy sending text messages, updating […]
Re-thinking your Password Prowess
A recent Digital Life blog post on the Sydney Morning Herald website posed an important question around the strength of online passwords. Clearly, this isn’t the first time that the author of the blog, Adam Turner, has addressed this issue as he states: “I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve read about the […]
Connecting Social Media and Canadian Supreme Court Ruling
A decision issued on October 19 by the Supreme Court of Canada stated that writers and publishers cannot be held liable for online publications that hyperlink to defamatory content. While the world of professional online writers and publishers were gasping a sigh of relief in the wake of the court’s ruling, the unprecedented decision likely […]
Facebook Aims to Simplify Privacy Settings
This from the nytimes bits blog. Facebook is attempting to clarify their privacy settings. Now when you post something, you’ll have the option to choose who sees each particular post – the public, friends, or custom made (spherical-shaped) groups. The changes are supposed to roll out on Thursday. In other news, nothing much else has […]
Pseudonymity in Social Networks
Lately, many people have been writing about the naming policies of social networks. This is because Google+ requires its users to use their real names in their profiles. Facebook does too. Online, our names are tightly and persistently coupled with our actions. Pseudonyms put a measure of distance between our identity online and our real […]
Infographic: How companies are using social media to hire and fire
An interesting infographic in The Atlantic describes what employers find objectionable about a potential hire’s use of social media: Content about using drugs or drinking alcohol. Bad-mouthing previous employers or co-workers. Evidence of poor communication skills. Along with aspects employers liked to see: Offers a good feel for the candidate’s personality. Shows evidence of creativity. […]
Book Review: Therese Fowler’s “Exposure”
Therese Fowler’s third novel Exposure blends a Romeo and Juliet inspired love story with a modern day high school drama, complete with Facebook and sexting. The well-written, fast-paced novel tells the story of two high school teenagers, Anthony and Amelia. Both attend an expensive private school in North Carolina. Both are madly in love with […]
Missouri Outlaws student-teacher Facebook Friendship
A law in Missouri was recently passed that makes it illegal for teachers to be “friends” with students on any social networking site that allows private communication. Here’s the complete story from NPR news. The larger bill was passed with great support because it was designed to protect children from predatory teachers. But as one […]
Start-up scours web for dirt on job candidates
Apparently, it’s not Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace that get most job candidates in trouble. According to Max Drucker, CEO of Social Intelligence, only about one-third of the incriminating web content comes from those platforms. Drucker’s company contracts with employers to scope out job candidates online and reports back any positive or negative info the company […]
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