» How to Be Smart Online: Don’t Beat Redheads!

The news today is full of stories about the dangerous side of social media. Facebook is being linked to two disturbing stories.

The first is a story about a 12 year-old boy who was beaten because he was a redhead. Investigators are researching a link between the beating and a Facebook group encouraging people that Friday was “Kick a Ginger Day.” The post is thought to have been inspired by an episode of South Park.

The other story comes from Canada. Nathalie Blanchard is claiming that her insurance benefits were cut because of photos of her on Facebook. Blanchard had been on medical leave because of depression. Her Facebook profile photos showed Blanchard smiling, leading her insurance company to conclude that she was no longer depressed.

Facebook is growing in such leaps and bounds that it is important for people to realize the power of Facebook and other social networking sites. Privacy and safety are of the utmost importance to everyone on social media networks. But there are things you have to do yourself to make sure you’re protected:

1. Read the Terms of Service for every site you join. Understand what information will be available to the public and how it will be used.
2. Think before you post. You might have a great photo of youself doing a keg stand at a party over the weekend. Who’s going to see that photo? Your boss? College recruiters? Your insurance company? Or worse yet, your mom? Do you really think these people need to see that?
3. Be aware of consequences. A lot of people do silly things online. And most of those people don’t assess the consequences before they take action. It’s easier to rethink before posting than it is to clean it up after you’ve already posted.
4. This may be redundant but I think it is important to be very clear: DON’T DO STUPID SHIT! Telling someone to beat up redheads falls under the category of stupid shit. Don’t do that or anything like it. It may seem funny at the time but someone out there might think it’s a good idea and beat up a redhead.

Social media is supposed to be fun. It’s about creating a community for people to connect. Not to connect to commit violence. It’s also not designed as a way to spy on people. Sadly, it appears as if some people don’t understand either of those statements. Unfortunately it’s harder to get idiots like these away from social media sites than it is for us to be a little more vigilant. Sorry, but the smart people like us have to pick up the slack.

Tags: Facebook