Dear Editor,
Recently, the Daily News published an article explaining the downside of the popular Web site, Facebook. While the staff touched on the main safety issue with Facebook, I would like to bring attention to another issue that concerns students.
In the glorious world of Facebook, students are not afraid to be honest about their interests, spring break plans, drinks of choice and other incriminating subjects. To have access, you must have a valid college e-mail address - keeping the watchful eyes of one's family members away from the horrors they might find in their innocent son's or daughter's "profile."
With the recent addition of picture galleries on Facebook, people can find out many things about a person by simply clicking on the "View more photos of me" link. Pictures of keg stands, random hookups and the ever-so-popular beer bong on the knees truly could get someone in trouble.
This exact scenario happened to me. Upon returning to my dorm one normal Wednesday, I was bombarded by my hall director. I was told that I had been written up for a violation of the alcohol regulations for Ball State University's housing. After a strange look of shock crossed my face, I was given an explanation.
After "looking for my cell phone number" on my Facebook account, incriminating pictures were found of me breaking rules. I was shown a printout of both the picture and my facebook profile. Shocked and outraged, I was out to find a way to get out of this - in my mind - ridiculous accusation.
However, I realized that there was nothing lawfully wrong with what my hall directors had done - ethically might be another story.
We must remember Facebook is a public forum. Anyone with a Ball State e-mail, regardless of age, can access this site. Often times, we give too much information and show even more in pictures.
I truly hope not all authority figures would dive into one's personal profile, venture into their pictures, then punish a particular student on their findings. However, it is a reality that all students should be aware of.
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