Facebook has transcended beyond cultural barriers, whether it be religion, race, or age. It is a tool that is geared towards…well everyone. It is used by family, friends, business associates, and now even famous religious figures.
It was reported in the Wall Street Journal (May 2009), that Pope Benedict XVI has created a Facebook account. The church understands the cultural impact that Facebook has amassed within the recent years. It is business as usual for the church when they decided to utilize this mass media tool as a means of spreading their word. The networking site is free and accessible to anyone with an internet connection, email address, and a desire to connect with anyone and everyone.
Celebrities, television shows, and even businesses have recognized the benefits of creating an account on Facebook. I know several people that work in the Human Resource departments of several large Columbus corporations. They have told me that some businesses are using Facebook in a different manner. They are using it to get to know an employee or potential employee by looking at how they represent themselves in public. Would you keep your page exactly as is if the Pope was a friend of yours on Facebook? If your profile is public, keep that in mind.
reference
Pope Gets Facebook Account. (2009, May 23). Wall Street Journal - Eastern Edition, Retrieved August 29, 2009, from Academic Search Complete database.
I did not know that businesses were using facebook in that regard. That is very interesting to hear about potential employers checking up on applicants and seeing how they do things outside of work. I will have to keep this in mind :) I also love Facebook though. I love to get on there and just have my little bit of fun but also keep in touch with family members who are out of state and let them know how my kids are doing and give them pictures for updates.
ReplyDeleteLisa,
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that even the Pope had a Facebook account! That is just amazing! I know that more and more companies are blogging and using social networking sites to promote their businesses. It does concern me that some employers are using Facebook to check on employees or potential employees. The bad thing about social networking is that everyone sees what you post!
Great article.
Michelle