Reaction: Social Networking Problems

Can you use Myspace.com and Facebook and still maintain some semblance of privacy?

Maybe. Joe Recomendes’ blog post details the privacy concerns hounding the aforementioned popular online social networking sites. He writes:

“Social networking sites grew very quickly, and without some examination about their use and the amount of information that is available on them; the consequences could be drastic.”

It seems people who maintain profiles on those sites also need to keep watch on how those site operators use information. For instance, Facebook began running targeted advertisements to the estimated 52 million site members. The ad-delivery system follows similar ones unleashed by myspace.com and Google’s AdSense.

Clint Boulton, a reporter with the technology publication eWeek, wrote:

“That new stage is powerful because now Facebook users can not only share information about Web sites and businesses with their friends but invite friends to weigh in on shopping and other activities on the Web. Yes, Facebook has become a sort of online mall, where users can shop with the input of their friends.”

The Facebook officials have not revealed what information is collected and what facts are shared with the advertisers. I wonder if the members of Facebook and Myspace.com will be willing to pay a monthly fee to ensure no targeted advertisements. Can people purchase their privacy?