February 23

Pros and Cons of Technology
 Pros:
-Provides easy solution to everyday problems
-Accessible/convenient
-Portable
-Information is easily found
-Entertainment
-Kills time
-Addresses the needs of society
-Offers forms of communication (face time, texting, mobile phone)
-Connects people and countries on a universal scale

Cons
-Addicting
- Worsen social skills (face to face communication)
-Create confusion in literacy (web abbreviations, LOL, @, etc.)
-False or incorrect information and rumours are easily spread via chat rooms, Facebook
-Cyber bullying
-Exposure to fraud, cheating, false advertising
-Potentially dangerous people
-Stolen personal information
-Safety
-Used as weapon
-Distracting
-Complicate life (more tasks to complete, mail to check)

Want to Lose Your Privacy? Response
As a user of technology, the responsibilities I have seem numerous, there are definitely more than I originally thought. Before reading the article, I was ignorant of the actions some apps were conducting. Although if an app were to download my data onto their server without my permission, I would be  disappointed. It seems as if there's do much to be aware of these days concerning the safety of technology, but this article does remind me of my own experiences with apps. I don't always read the ratings and reviews as the article suggests you do, but now I am more aware of that possibility and safety precaution. The thought of an app company taking my information and downloading it onto their server kind of scares me because I can't take it back. What's done is irreversible. It feels like a violation of my privacy rights. This message is a huge eye-opener into the many tricks of app companies. I do become curious when an app asks for my information. I wonder what they could possibly want to do with it. That relates to a line in the article "What scares me about mobile apps is that they’re kind of a black box. We install them, giving them all sorts of permissions, yet we have no way of peering under their hoods to see what they’re doing." I certainly am much more open to possibilities of my information being taken, and now know what my responsibilities are. Part of being responsible is being aware of my own safety and actions, as well as knowing how to take precautions and safety measures.

10 Things Students Should Never Post on Facebook

Facebook is known worldwide for bringing people together, connecting friends, allowing users to find others who share common interests, and modernizing communication. This and many other forms of technology and social media have their pros and cons, and that's where online activities have an impact. With it's fun way of communication, Facebook seems harmless, so how bad could a wrong comment be? There's no one communicating with you face to face, no one to gauge the impact of your comments with, no one to censor what you say. Students make up a large part of social media, and knowing what not to post is needed to make the most of social media.

Responsibilities are everywhere, and Facebook is no exception. Communication and the right to freedom of speech and opinion come with a responsibility, as do all rights. Students can say what they think, but with reasonable limits. If they feel the urge to voice their opinion, it should not show disrespect to the opinions and beliefs of others. It is their responsibility that they ensure none of their posts in any way suggest superiority or rudeness. When interacting online, there's no one in front of you showing how your comments impact them, and swearing becomes a problem. Swearing is inappropriate and many may find it offensive.
Posting false rumours is another act to avoid. The victim of such behaviour could be hurt emotionally, and socially. Stalking and monitoring someone through Facebook through posts is unacceptable because it violates others' right to privacy while cyber bullying is just as bad as any other form of bullying. Hacking into someone else's account without their consent and posting inappropriate pictures of themselves or anyone else are two more things that should never make an appearance. For their own safety and security, students should refrain from posting any personal information about themselves or others including their address, phone number, etc.Unless it is desired for many to know of a particular students' social plans, private life or matters, that information should not be posted,  neither should any personal conversations. Even though it's an obvious one, passwords are not to be shared. Lying on Facebook could land students in trouble, especially when their lies contradict their actions and what they say, and with such a large network, students are likely to be found out. In general, students should never post anything on Facebook that they don't want to be shared. It's that simple.

By following these guidelines, there will most likely be less incidents on Facebook and unwanted comments. Facebook is for sharing things and like any other form of interaction, there is etiquette to be followed, although it is not as clear online. Students' security and safety are top priority, and when that's taken care of, there's less chance of danger. As long as nothing that is unintended for sharing is not posted, Facebook is fun.