Debates concerning privacy at Facebook are raging. People have "concerns" about their private and personal information being shared. So much so that there are chain mails bring sent to quit Facebook etc.
Is this a "oxymoron" ?
I mean the very purpose of online social networking sites is for sharing information. People join these sites and "friend" hundreds of friends, companions, family members and even business associates. On such sites people share almost everything from their vacation photographs to what they like and dislike! More ever, they love to a comment on what others share. In fact, it is now a socially accepted "norm" to keep growing your friends list and your linked connections.
Think about it : If you had hundreds of friends whom you met everyday (or maybe several times a day). And shared with them lots of things - what you like, what you don't like, your activities, your travel etc. - Would you expect this information to remain private ? In many ways, it is already public. Yet, there is a social trust that the information we share will remain amongst this group and not be misused.
With the popularity of the internet and the growth of social networking, I think this circle of trust is widening. Especially with the younger generation. And I think that is a good thing. They are not shy of sharing information or posting comments. Since, this is done by everyone in their "friends" list, the trust equation is inbuilt.
Will the growing debates on privacy destroy this basic trust fiber?
In my opinion, this is largely about the perception of "choice" and "control". Social networking sites must make it easier for users to make their choices about what gets shared to whom. And simple ways to control and make changes. The more you complicate it, the greater the chances of people shying away from these sites!
