Facebook helps us trace our friendship back to primary school life, thanks to the technology which made it possible. Those who are able to find their old friends and make new ones on this networking site feel it serves them as the coolest site ever.
Unfortunately, some users are not aware of their actions on Facebook which can land them in unwanted trouble. They do things like posting comments which can enrage others, friends or otherwise. Still others regularly update their status on Facebook. This is something they are not supposed to do as this may tempt strangers, spammers and scammers into doing harm to them.
Worse still, there are some who take a peek at others’ walls to keep themselves updated on what their friends are up to. After reading the status updates, comments, etc., they make assumptions about the person concerned which may not be trued. Consequently, this causes arguments, fights and misunderstandings. We read of reports in local dailies of scammers tricking people on Facebook. These scammers are always on the lookout for potential and unsuspecting victims.
In my opinion, Facebook users should in the first place, draw the line between personal and public matters on Facebook. Previously, when people had problems, they faced them but these days, people with problems go to Facebook. I wonder if they are aware that this gives their friends access to their private life.
Nevertheless, Facebook can be used productively as there are many other fruitful activities. There are many educational pages created on Facebook which students and others can venture into, for example, British Council Malaysia – Grammar Guru has been helping us learn the English Language.
There is nothing wrong to be on Facebook as long as it doesn’t harm the users or others.
N.B. This is rather lengthy, so it can be divided into 2 lessons. May not be relevant for China students if they have no access to FB but relevant for the other campuses.
Questions for discussion:
- Volunteer and student can talk about the plus and minuses of Facebook/ any social media that they are familiar with.
- Student can share why they like or dislike FB/other social media..
- Volunteer and student can discuss how scamming occurs through FB/social media by sharing current cases.
- Volunteer can ask student what happens if friends who read their postings write negative comments. How will it affect them?
- Why is FB/social media not the best place to make new friends? How else can we make new friends?
- Volunteer introduces Jesus as friend who never fails, etc and why Jesus is the best of friends.