September 2009

What Does Transparency In Social Media Really Mean?

by Mike Vallez on September 24, 2009

As I navigate through the many different social media websites, blogs, microblogs and beyond the continued mantra of “transparency” is apparent. As a blogger and someone who consumes the internet approximately 12 hours a day I understand why it is so important to be “transparent” when interacting with others on the web. But, what does “transparency” really mean in social media?

Some would say “transparency” is the half naked picture of a woman or man’s Facebook profile picture along with enough details in that profile for the average serial killer to locate that person. I would say that scenario is a little to “transparent.” Some would say “transparency” is being honest when dealing with others on the web, this I would agree with. The sarcasm in the first example is heavy, but in reality there are plenty of individuals who are way too “transparent” on the web. But, again I ask you are there different meanings of “transparency” on the web?

Personally, I believe there are different degrees of “transparency” in social media. A blogger has to be ‘transparent” in his or her posts to gain trust with the reader. Anonymous bloggers on the other hand are the antithesis of “transparency” and frankly are more like bomb throwers than anything else. Corporations, businesses and anyone trying to convince others to buy their product on the web should either be “transparent” or get ready to become “transparent” by fending off accusations of “non-transparency”, which frankly can undermine their brand. Can the police or federal law enforcement dare to be “transparent?” Yes, they can and have to be to gain credibility with others on the web and in social media.

“Transparency” by police is no different than the average Joe or Jane, except in cases where “transparency” would undermine an ongoing investigation. Police have a great opportunity to build trust with their citizens through blogs run by police executives, communication officers, or street patrol officers. The interaction between the police and citizens in social media opens up the opportunity for relationships to be built and for a level of trust to be formed through “transparency.” What about the “hue” and “cry” of officer safety. Well Google your name and find out how much information is out there already on the web about you. Unfortunately, if someones heart is set on doing another serious harm a private investigator, hitman, etc can find you and I. That last sentence is not meant to be dramatic, but realistic.

Being “transparent” is a must in social media. This does not mean getting naked in your Facebook or MySpace profile. Rather it means being sincere and honest in your blog posts, Tweets, Facebook threads, etc. Be yourself, be sincere, don’t curse at others, use facts and professional discussion to prove your point, and if not agree to disagree. If you get caught with your pants down, being “transparent” means stepping up to the plate and taking responsibility, not shoving it off on others. This is my view of “transparency” it may not be yours, but if you are going to have discussion on the web and you lie get ready to get righted.

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Facebook Login Leads Police To Burglary Suspect….

by Mike Vallez on September 21, 2009

The Journal-news.net reports how a rather unaccomplished burglar ends up getting caught by his Facebook login, yep, you heard me right. Here is a recreation of the crime: 1) break window of victims house 2) ransack house, take valuables 3) Login into Facebook to check wall status (duh) 4) Quickly leave with valuables and avoid getting caught. So if we were playing a game like “which part of the burglary process does not fit” I think we would all choose number three above.

But, believe it or not Jonathan G. Parker, 19, of Fort Loudoun, Pa., did login into his Facebook account to check out, who knows what for, but I guess the obvious to check his “wall” status. Do you see how social media is changing things in law enforcement. I am not sure, but this has to be one of the first arrests due to Facebook login evidence. How does this hold up in a court of law? Are there any “expert Facebook witnesses” in the yellow pages or Google who can testify to “Facebook rules of login?” Point is the criminal justice system, particularly the prosecutors and defense attorney’s have a possible historical social media case law issue on the horizon. Can it be proven that the suspect actually logged into his account? If there is no physical evidence and this is the only piece of evidence what an interesting outcome may be forthcoming.

My wheels start working when I think of the opportunities that are out there for software to be developed that can be integrated with Facebook and other social media sites to protect it’s users. In this case maybe Facebook could force the users to provide some type of unique user information when logging into a new computer to authenticate that computer? This may be considered intrusive, but what if the victim had been murdered! Yea, I could “what if” this to death, but don’t think this can’t happen. What about the Craig’s List Killer? Bet nobody thought that someone would find prey on Craig’s List as a serial killer. Will social media sites move towards user authentication of some sort, I think so. But, it will probably be some brilliant developer and a marketing guru that provide the solution.

The suspect did not meet the victim on Facebook according to the article, but this still present a reason for the “authentication login” I propose above. The “authentication login” would also be very useful for anyone in any social media community who wants some protection from unknowns. Force the spammers, bots, freaks, fakes, and so on to become authenticated and force transparency. This may be considered a little drastic, but many females are harassed online due to their profiles alone. Social media protections for users will increase, but don’t lose any sleep waiting for them to do so.

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