Dr. Neil Hair

Another really interesting horror story from the world of online social networking. Oxford Dons now using facebook to build evidence of incriminating evidence against students. The practice of 'trashing' – a kind of substance abuse involving the wearing of detritus thrown from fellow students after exams is causing clean up problems in the city centre. So, evidence is harvested from those amusing tagged photo's and fines imposed. What I dont understand is how this can be classed as evidence in a traditional sense. Problems include but are not limited to the following; 1. This practice is highly unethical and clearly not in keeping with their intended use (entertainment). 2. Permissions are normally required for their use and takers of the photograph retain copyright for their usage. 3. There is limited evidence of a time frame for the photo (this could have happened last year right?). 4. There is limited evidence that this is actually you and not cousin Frank who shares a remarkable family resemblance (err Dad?) 5. In the case of alcohol related issues (such as drinking it) – there is no evidence that the funnel and shoot transferred anything to you, nor that it wasnt filled with a delicious soft drink. 6. Have you heard of photoshop?

Seriously though, take note facebook users. This might all be irrelevant if a potential employer decides that your favourite habits of 'smokin blunts with the homies' or 'shooting caps into whitie' as this Times article notes – is incompatible with the values of the organization. Your personal brand is damaged beyond repair. Period. Watch those photo's, restrict access to certain features, go professional when in job search mode, tone down the rhetoric, and continue to show that you are fun to be around.