Is Facebook Evil?

[Excalibur-king]

I'm a hacker, so i know better then to put my private info online.
I never used myspace, and i will never use twitter or facebook.
It has always been kinda strange how even the media inforces such services though. Every time i see TV, there is always TV shows or news stations saying follow us on twitter or join our facebook LOL! Like they want everybody to have an account, but like i said I'm a hacker I have been for many years.
There are many other free services that i Don't use despite being so popular like google and youtube. A lot of people know the true story about how google got the the giant company that is today. Every time you type something on google, that will install cookies on your computer that will track all your browsing habits. This is how google makes money, next time you are shooping for something online say a TV, and you visit your favorite website about cars, you will see ads from many other online retailers trying to sell you more TVs. This is because they already know what you like and what your interest are on the internet. This is the same thing with other programs like internet explorer or msn messenger. Most of the time people don't believe me about this, but I have been reading about this for years, and thank god now I know better.

 

[Davey Gaga]

So you have 528 friends who know when you take a shit then eh? My point being is there is no way in hell that you know these 528 friends in a manner where you actually go out and hand with them every Friday night.

I actually had this conversation with a friend the other day and he put me to the test. I went over every single one of my friends and I could tell him how I knew them and something personal about them. Regardless, if I couldn't do that, it doesn't mean anything, anyway. It's basically just a record of how many people you've contacted somehow online. Having 528 friends on Facebook doesn't mean 527 people expect me to be their Maid of Honour at the wedding.

And no, I can't hang with all of them every Friday night...which is the appeal of having them on Facebook.

Are you sure about this? If you were his/her best friend you wouldn't have received a phone call? I'm just saying.

We moved to different Universities and I lost contact with him. Saw his sister say on Facebook when the funeral was. Good way or reaching out to many people.

Do you work then? And I guess I could of modified this, have you ever known someone who got in trouble for what someone else said on their wall.

I do work. In our Statement of Particulars of Employment, we're told that saying anything degrading about the company on social networking sites can result in disciplinary action...so we don't do it.

One of my friends posted about how shite his work was and forgot he had his manager on Facebook...his employment was terminated, because he broke his contract, same as if he'd stolen from the shop or punched a customer. Not Facebook's fault he couldn't filter out what he said. Yes, it's a strange situation that wouldn't happen if we didn't use Facebook...but it's the same idea as publishing it in a paper, or putting up a poster outside your door. Just keep some things private. Totally have no problems with being fired for that - it's your own fault.

Exactly. The point being is if someone has something to say, they'll no longer pick up the phone and use it, or text. They'll simply use facebook. How does that help the non facebook users out?

There was a time when texting and phoning was devilish as well.

p.s. are you now saying we shouldn't use facebook because some people who don't use it are socially excluded?

Naked picture's are one thing. Though hacking a facebook account to ruin someone's reputation is another. Or flat out if someone had a grudge for you and you never quite knew it due to they were passive aggressive early on, and all the sudden with facebook they got the balls to blast you over facebook. It's become more weaponized, day by day, and yes at a GRAND scale.

Again, you could do that with anything. Texts, the paper, emails, any other single website.

I'm not referring to that. Have you ever had a girl been offended for not making her "in a relationship."

If they get offended for that then there's a massive degree of immaturity, there. But that's individual preferences, it's not Facebook's fault.

Have you ever seen a break up over facebook. Aka the woman or guy was suspicious of the person and due the fact the person had many "guy" / "girl" friends on their profile, that they were extremely jealous when miss gorgeous Susie Queue of California talked to him. When the fact is you hardly know that person anymore. It's like a little black book complex for relationships.

Again, that happens if you see them chatting to people in the shops, or see them get messages on their phone. It's not Facebook's fault, it's people.

Aka in order for you not to click on them, you basically have to be a skeptic of every link.

Emails. It's happened to everyone. Not Facebook's fault, the users. Which would happen anywhere.

TV/Video Games/Books don't apply to other people though. If you call entertainment people, then you of course need to go out and find some friends. The above may or may not apply to you, but I bet they apply to your friends.

Of course I call it entertainment. Socialising with people I know is enjoyable.

 

[Coco]

I was just thinking about this the other day. I wouldn't say 'evil', but I would say that it's becoming more and more risky to me as a user, as time passes by. I agree with you in a lot of points, I'll just elaborate as I go through the list.

1) What's the point of a networking site if you have to set up so many privacy preferences that it's declared as some sort of private censorship?

I think the sole purpose of networking sites is to connect people. When Facebook didn't have a Wall like you said, I think it served its purpose even if it stopped at that. Facebook had to keep up with the demands of its users. I think bottom line though, is that it's the people of the site themselves who influenced and eventually made it to what it is today. Like recently, Facebook changed the way you can view photos. One click and said picture shows up on some sort of pop-up window - it's easier and faster. I'm guessing Facebook did that because people upload a lot of pictures and the Facebook team wanted to help that along. I have a lot of peers asking for a Dislike button and I won't be surprised if Facebook pushes through with that.

2) What's the point of adding 200+ friends who maybe you know 40-50 of them due to you still see them everyday?

I only add people I know, or I've met sometime in my life. This is where it gets tricky. I was thinking that eventually, I'll be working and I'm sure my co-workers (or people higher than me) will see what I post. This is where I agree with you that Facebook is becoming too personal. But then again, it's really a personal choice. There are a lot of people who treat Facebook as an online diary. They'll curse, they'll say how much they hate a class or professor without not knowing that someone in their contacts could use that against them.

I think I've touched the first half of the next set of questions in the text above, so I'll proceed to these:

6) Do I really want to become "in a relationship" for the rest of the world to know?

I actually know a couple who broke up because of this. It's a big deal to some people, especially when they're not on the same page as to 'what they are'. This is a testament to Facebook's success, actually. Again, it's down to personal choice. But I agree that this is something that's sort of forced upon you when you have a Facebook and you're dating someone. Your own right to discretion can be judged.

7) Do I always want to be so "non" mysterious that by the time any conversation has occurred in person again, there is nothing to talk about? It's often time just a resumed conversation from saying "wassup" on facebook.

Absolutely. Right on the money with the "wassup" conversation opener. I usually have this problem.

8) Ads?

The ads don't bother me at all tbh. I understand why they're there. Although I do miss the time when I saw less of them around.

9) Time trap? How many times do you get stuck looking at facebook during the day when you could be doing something better with your time? I get it some of you are hung up on people's picks, or gossip, or what the hell ever you have to fill your mediocre lives with, but come on! Sometimes just take a break.

I was never really hooked on Facebook. I tried playing their games, but I just never got into them. Usually I open the site, open this site, Flickr, Youtube, etc and just alternate between them. Again, I see this as a personal choice, though I think Facebook did design themselves as an all-in-one kind of website, what with it having so many things you can do.

11) Gossip? Facebook leads to gossip, which is the ultimate form of evil. That has an entire new thread by itself though.

Hmm... I'm half and half on this one. I mean, it's true that rumors can be started through status updates, pictures, etc. But then again, I think rumors can start anywhere.

To end, both Facebook and its users made it what it is today, and to be honest I think it was inevitable. There was help from both sides that it's now addicting/too public/too personal.

 

[Will Graham]

I guess facebook does have a few downsides that could become a problem, but they all seem to stem from user decisions

like my good pals I will go through the points you raised and what I think of them etc. etc. etc.



1) What's the point of a networking site if you have to set up so many privacy preferences that it's declared as some sort of private censorship?

Well the privacy settings are pretty customisable so I have no problem there

2) What's the point of adding 200+ friends who maybe you know 40-50 of them due to you still see them everyday?

I have I think around the 290 friends mark, I would say I chat or interact with maybe 120ish of them. Then maybe another 60 I leave them messages occasionally, so there are some I could do without I guess. Though there is no one I dislike in there. I don't really see the problem with it though, it's only a facebook connection nothing serious

So let me get around to the "evil" part.

1) Have you ever had someone ask you why they can't see your status updates?

I don't hide my status updates, I don't really put up statuses of the 'lol going to cinema with pals' variety. And even if I did, why would I care who read that?

2) Have you ever had someone come up to you and ask you, why they weren't invited to your cook out?

Well this is a thing the pre-dates facebook by a long chalk, people being excluded from a gathering for whatever reason.Facebook may make it more obvious, but it's an old problem

3) Have you ever had a coworker report you for someone elses words?

I don't really get what you mean by that, but I personally have never said something that would get me in trouble on there really. Anything illegal I might do I would never put on FB anyways

4) Have you ever had someone discriminate you for "NOT!" having facebook?

Nope I remember I was late getting one, people urged me to get one that was it. Some people are made fun of jokingly for not having one, but not discriminated against in my experience.

5) Have you ever seen Facebook used as a weapon?

Of course I have, in the same way I have seen texts, calls, notes, and a variety of other things used like that.

6) Do I really want to become "in a relationship" for the rest of the world to know?

You don't have to disclose a relationship status if you don't want to, I know many pals who don't. If a couple breaks up because of disagreement between being "in a relationship" on facebook, well that relationship was hardly a great one. That problem can't be put on FB


7) Do I always want to be so "non" mysterious that by the time any conversation has occurred in person again, there is nothing to talk about? It's often time just a resumed conversation from saying "wassup" on facebook.

I always find plenty to chat about with people, everything can't be said on facebook, I chat with people a lot on there and still have plenty to say in person. Or if I see we like similar bands I will mention it to them when I see them in person etc.

8) Ads?

It's the internet

9) Time trap? How many times do you get stuck looking at facebook during the day when you could be doing something better with your time? I get it some of you are hung up on people's picks, or gossip, or what the hell ever you have to fill your mediocre lives with, but come on! Sometimes just take a break.

Like every other kind of visual media, also at least you might be chatting with someone rather than zoned out in front of a TV

11) Gossip? Facebook leads to gossip, which is the ultimate form of evil. That has an entire new thread by itself though.

Everything leads to gossip, yeah I don't like seeing people bitch on facebook, just as I hate seeing people argue at party or some shit. But on facebook I can hide their posts

 

[Roland_Deschain]

I would love to respond to this statement, as I think it's worse than putting a bullet in someone's head, due to the seeds that are sown from it.. but that's another thread.

Quick note about the idea of gossip, now that this thread has begun to slow down.

Gossip itself can instigate the prime nature of evil, but I believe that the prime nature of evil must first take control of gossip before itself can become something evil.

For example if a person hears a story and then exagerates a story (knowing full well that they lack all of the facts) it is the human being and moral decision of the person to still miscommunicate information.

Even in the earliest ages of humans without the concept of gossip and story telling, humans bare the capacity for both love and hate. I believe that a flawed morality or perspective comes before Gossip.

And while we acknowlege gossip can be a result of bad ideas and action when used by corrupt minds, we must also consider the idea that gossip can be used by pure minded individuals as well. For example the idea that slavery was not a good thing did not just bloom out of thin air, just as the holocaust did not. So It really depends on who is using it to their advantages or their misconceptions.

 

[Shu]

And while we acknowlege gossip can be a result of bad ideas and action when used by corrupt minds, we must also consider the idea that gossip can be used by pure minded individuals as well. For example the idea that slavery was not a good thing did not just bloom out of thin air, just as the holocaust did not. So It really depends on who is using it to their advantages or their misconceptions.

The problem is the "rumors" with gossip. If it is not validated, and is not true, why assume false things of people. Sort of like the Casey Anthony crap in the other thread, no one knows her to the core, we only see what media allows us to see. Aka Gossip puts negative connotations around people and puts hurtful demeanor in the hearts of men.

Gossip and word of mouth are loosely intertwined but then are not exactly the same. Though I guess it's your take on the word gossip versus mine. I think gossip is always bad. It's meant to spread about personal affairs, which most likely have a negative derivative. Word of mouth can be good, though I've never heard of "good" gossip. It's always trashing other people more often times with bad rumors.

The tool facebook, tends to give the users the ability to "create" gossip easier than say.. being out in public does. It's easier information flow since most if not everyone these days are connected to the internet. Facebook being the leading networking site, can not be sued for someone Blasting you on facebook and making you lose your husband/job/dog named carl/blah blah. People have gone to court, but in the end it's the users discretion. It's a very vicious circle if it ends up on the wrong hands. Let's take for example these:

1) a) You have the person who was picked on in high school who signs up. They look the be anonymous, but have a lack of information on how security works.

b) You have the popular stud who was mostly known for keeping what's cool ..in. This person noticed person a) signed up, due to the school linking and rallies a few of his friends together to trash person a's) profile.

c) Facebook holds "no" liability for this because it's the user actions. On a website, you can't exactly edit (unless you hack) someone's site to blast them. Here on FFF we are mostly people who have not met in real life, though we have Moderation to cut out the flamers/trolls/etc. Facebook only has a "report" function which is mostly for pictures. With all said aside, of course this could easily been avoided by privacy settings, but who knows what hidden agenda folks have with Facebook. I say again, we are to interconnected often times with it.

d) There are laws against cyber bullying, but only in certain spots 1) and also there is only so much that can be proven.

 

[Roland_Deschain]

The problem is the "rumors" with gossip. If it is not validated, and is not true, why assume false things of people. Sort of like the Casey Anthony crap in the other thread, no one knows her to the core, we only see what media allows us to see. Aka Gossip puts negative connotations around people and puts hurtful demeanor in the hearts of men.

Gossip and word of mouth are loosely intertwined but then are not exactly the same. Though I guess it's your take on the word gossip versus mine. I think gossip is always bad. It's meant to spread about personal affairs, which most likely have a negative derivative. Word of mouth can be good, though I've never heard of "good" gossip. It's always trashing other people more often times with bad rumors.

The tool facebook, tends to give the users the ability to "create" gossip easier than say.. being out in public does. It's easier information flow since most if not everyone these days are connected to the internet. Facebook being the leading networking site, can not be sued for someone Blasting you on facebook and making you lose your husband/job/dog named carl/blah blah. People have gone to court, but in the end it's the users discretion. It's a very vicious circle if it ends up on the wrong hands. Let's take for example these:

1) a) You have the person who was picked on in high school who signs up. They look the be anonymous, but have a lack of information on how security works.

b) You have the popular stud who was mostly known for keeping what's cool ..in. This person noticed person a) signed up, due to the school linking and rallies a few of his friends together to trash person a's) profile.

c) Facebook holds "no" liability for this because it's the user actions. On a website, you can't exactly edit (unless you hack) someone's site to blast them. Here on FFF we are mostly people who have not met in real life, though we have Moderation to cut out the flamers/trolls/etc. Facebook only has a "report" function which is mostly for pictures. With all said aside, of course this could easily been avoided by privacy settings, but who knows what hidden agenda folks have with Facebook. I say again, we are to interconnected often times with it.

d) There are laws against cyber bullying, but only in certain spots 1) and also there is only so much that can be proven.

Now let me acknowledge the fact that gossip can lead to false truths and rumors, but that does not mean it is an ultimate evil

Gossip cannot just be clumped like its black and white, because it is not always incorrect information, and many things people gossip about can help in daily society.

I would want to know if a sex offender live near me, I would want to know if my government was fucking me, I would want to know if my children our hanging out with reputable people. The list is full of examples, and EVEN if some of the things heard are not true, its better safe then sorry.

A many great change in the world had been brought by gossip and people speaking from one person to another. For the christians jesus had his name spread through the land. For America (even though not all of the slaves were mistreated) its the accounts of the mistreated that helped people see the light of its darkness. And even today in the slums, when hoodlums talk about their friends skipping town getting out of there...it makes them think, what they are doing with their life.

In general I just do not think it can be an ultimate evil, when it can bring lots of valuable and postitive information.

I don't take kindly to people who "create" gossip, in my opinion thats called a lie.

1.
idle talk or rumor, especially about the personal or private affairs of others: the endless gossip about Hollywood stars.
2. light, familiar talk or writing.

3. Also, gos·sip·er, gos·sip·per. a person given to tattling or idle talk.



As for facebook, I have no idea, I would never get into gossip online. I use it to stay contacted with lost friends mostly =)

 

[asm]

Short answer:

Yes. Anything that is multinational, and worth billions of dollars for some reason, is inherently for the most part, evil.

 

[unadulteratedawesome]

Evil? That's a little melodramatic. The same stupid, social bullshit that we deal with in real life just gets transferred to Facebook. Even if they wanted to, the Facebook developers couldn't avoid that.

The biggest reason there's a hullabaloo about people getting fired for things they said on there or getting broke up with over it is because most people still view interaction and behavior on the internet as being somehow different than in real life. It's not.

They don't realize that saying something on Facebook is no different from saying something in public with your boss or friends who whomever in ear-shot. You wouldn't (or maybe you would, I don't know) say a racist joke next to your boss - so don't say it on Facebook, you retard.

And not sending a party invitation to a friend on Facebook when you sent it to everyone else is no different than inviting your friends in person and not inviting 'that one guy'. You're still snubbing them (rightfully or not).

So no, Facebook isn't evil. It's just that most people haven't quite grasped that social interaction in real life and on the internet has only one real difference - there's a record on the internet.

 

[asm]

Evil? That's a little melodramatic. The same stupid, social bullshit that we deal with in real life just gets transferred to Facebook. Even if they wanted to, the Facebook developers couldn't avoid that.

The biggest reason there's a hullabaloo about people getting fired for things they said on there or getting broke up with over it is because most people still view interaction and behavior on the internet as being somehow different than in real life. It's not.

They don't realize that saying something on Facebook is no different from saying something in public with your boss or friends who whomever in ear-shot. You wouldn't (or maybe you would, I don't know) say a racist joke next to your boss - so don't say it on Facebook, you retard.

And not sending a party invitation to a friend on Facebook when you sent it to everyone else is no different than inviting your friends in person and not inviting 'that one guy'. You're still snubbing them (rightfully or not).

So no, Facebook isn't evil. It's just that most people haven't quite grasped that social interaction in real life and on the internet has only one real difference - there's a record on the internet.

Your boss probably won't cash in on your personal information when given the opportunity, though. Or, give your details to someone else for advertisement purposes. Similarly, it's pretty much a zero check platform for you to write or upload just about anything, and this isn't solely about yourself or your information.

I totally agree with you that it's YOUR personal responsibility to understand that if you behave like a shitstain, you will probably be treated like a shitstain.

 

[Shu]

Evil? That's a little melodramatic. The same stupid, social bullshit that we deal with in real life just gets transferred to Facebook. Even if they wanted to, the Facebook developers couldn't avoid that.

Point 1)

It's not melodramatic, it's a hook used to create intrigue. Let me ask, if it said Facebook is not cool or Facebook is boring/bad, how inclined would you be to viewing the thread? Not very.. How about facebook is evil, facebook is diabolical.. well yea, the person is using inflection to contrast the harsh realities of facebook.

Point 2)

Take away the wall. Lessen communication gaps, privatize more, they could do quite a bit with this. So yes, they could do something about it. Their code is quite juvenile. It's an idea driven program, not a "smart" program. Taking away the wall would be.. well a little extreme because I guarantee that's their main "hook" for the site overall. I mean events/groups/pages/music and crap is nice, but being able to give a quick hello to whomever is always nice.

Any tard can push a community website, but this fella found a loop hole and cashed in on "what's hot" and that's the only reason Facebook is big and as "convenient" as it is. It is in fact a fad. It's just not going to go away any time soon, until something more user friendly with more plugins is created. I'm NOT saying that this dude was (double negative with intent) NOT a genius, because he did in fact push this hard and fast and got himself a load a cash, but I will say this is a dumbed down version of an interactive personal website that has "community features."

The biggest reason there's a hullabaloo about people getting fired for things they said on there or getting broke up with over it is because most people still view interaction and behavior on the internet as being somehow different than in real life. It's not.

Nope, not true. People are also getting fired for what "others" said on facebook. Due to association, they can be let go. You can't control other people's actions. In a state (where I live) you can get fired for having a bad day or worse sneezing inappropriately. (aka anything can get you fired)

They don't realize that saying something on Facebook is no different from saying something in public with your boss or friends who whomever in ear-shot. You wouldn't (or maybe you would, I don't know) say a racist joke next to your boss - so don't say it on Facebook, you retard.

I reiterate. The internet is a gap between the real world, due to the fact you can use anonymity as a weapon. Facebook you can get away with a lot more stuff actually than you would think. Let's say I put a general exclamation out there that said "I REALLY HATE HER" on your wall, and you liked the status. Well what if... and let's just say.. what if (because this has happened) you liked the status. Well what if the "her" was actually your sister (you assumed), though the person who wrote it was referring to your boss. Well you're screwed if you have someone rat you out. Words on the internet are more "permanent" because it's a paper trail all itself.

If you have that one friend who screws up "tagging" for you because he wanted to tag you taking shots off of models on a nude cruise, when you should of been preparing for a business presentation, though you had no ability to quickly untag it.. well how the hell were you supposed to know this dude would do this? I'm just saying.. I see more "bad" than good.

And not sending a party invitation to a friend on Facebook when you sent it to everyone else is no different than inviting your friends in person and not inviting 'that one guy'. You're still snubbing them (rightfully or not).

Who said everyone else was the case. What if it's only a small get together and you invited only 3 people, but you didn't have the time to give them a text/call them up. (just for good organization practice) They blab, which is fine, but then the person gets offended because they weren't invited. Well what all reasons do I have to explain.

1) Sorry you aren't cool
2) Sorry you aren't funny
3) Sorry you aren't wanted

No none of the above, most likely it was because I want to just be able to chill and not have to worry about them bringing their over jealous girl friend who stands in the corner and hits on me, while my wife gives me the eye! . (this has never happened, though closely it has). Your cool but your boyfriend/girlfriend isn't. Can't have one without the other.

So no, Facebook isn't evil. It's just that most people haven't quite grasped that social interaction in real life and on the internet has only one real difference - there's a record on the internet.

I think it's our definitions in this case based off our own opinion. I respect your opinion though, because you say.. your actions are your actions. Though the tools are always there to make facebook into a weaponized entity. I will say though.. watch yourself on facebook. Keep your shit highly privatized, as it can be dangerous.

 

[unadulteratedawesome]

Your boss probably won't cash in on your personal information when given the opportunity, though. Or, give your details to someone else for advertisement purposes.

True, but even what you search on Google (or any other search engine) is cashed in on for advertisement purposes. Regardless of what you or I think about that issue, it's something endemic to the internet, not just Facebook.

Similarly, it's pretty much a zero check platform for you to write or upload just about anything, and this isn't solely about yourself or your information.

Good point. I don't blame Facebook for someone spewing their own information or saying stupid shit because they didn't think before they hit the send button, but I agree that posting someone else's information is a problem.

Though it's a bit of a moot point for me, as everyone I know well enough that they could post something damaging about me online I trust to not do so.

---------------------

It's not melodramatic, it's a hook used to create intrigue.

That you're doing it intentionally doesn't change that it's melodramatic, haha.

So yes, they could do something about it.

I don't believe that the individuals who post idiotic things about themselves or others would have the forethought to make sure their posts go into the proper channels if Facebook was actually that private. These people can't even think to screen their posts when they know anyone can see it.

I see the problem is in people, not Facebook. The only reason this stuff wasn't as big when MySpace was the social networking place is because Facebook is easier to navigate and more user friendly.

but I will say this is a dumbed down version of an interactive personal website that has "community features."

I definitely won't disagree with you there.

Nope, not true. People are also getting fired for what "others" said on facebook. Due to association, they can be let go. You can't control other people's actions.

While I agree that it's bullshit for someone else to get you fired like that, the same thing can happen in real life. It's just that online it's easier to spot and there's a record.

But, once again, this is morons running their mouth. Even with a more private and controllable social site (like the new Google+ coming out), these things are still going to happen because people are still going to be stupid.

I'd argue that the largest issue is that many people don't understand the consequences of saying or posting things on the internet. They think it's a consequence-free zone, and it's only like that if you're anonymous (and even then, only if you're behind a proxy or two).

So while I don't like Facebook (or purely social networking sites in general, really), I don't blame it for people being stupid. [/QUOTE]

I will say though.. watch yourself on facebook. Keep your shit highly privatized, as it can be dangerous.

I keep my stuff private by not having a Facebook.