Dec 14
Ability to ask questions
Post comments
Promotes communication
Formspring Cons
Questions can already be asked in social networking sites. Why is another site necessary for this?
One more place where the users' personal information is available on the Internet.
Questions can be asked anonymously. This is scary as it opens the doors for cyberbullies.
The site is used mostly by teenagers who are very susceptible to harassment and bullies. Those with low self esteem and/or confidence can take a real hit at sites like these.
Some users openly admit that they like this platform specifically because they don't have to identify themselves when asking a question. (We had another term for kids like this before the Internet & social media!) They can and do leave hurtful and derogatory comments for this very reason. They totally understand that the user would be clueless as to who wrote it, so they can get away with anything. Although to reiterate, the people who use Formspring don't have to answer the questions or post them on their profile. Alas, the damage is already done. By their very nature, many young adults are not mature enough to handle these derogatory and demeaning comments. Since its inception, one suicide of a 17 year old female was linked to Formspring due to the hurtful messages that were posted. Exposing young adults to social media platforms that allow written cruelty has gone way past "pushing the envelope." This is worse then being picked on in school because these taunts are there for the world to see and the damage can be catastrophic. Be aware of the social media sites your kids use and read the comments and questions. Educate them about the dangers and potential risks of these websites. They should know how raw their emotions can become when exposed to cyberbullies. Also, equally important is for them not to become cyberbullies themselves. Hiding behind anonymity can be enticing but can only hurt those you are attacking. For this reason we give Formspring.com "Two Thumbs Down!"Deb Marsden is an experienced Internet training customer support manager. Deb and her good friend and equally experienced customer support gal,Lee Ann, have joined forces and offer their services to computer newbies and not so newbies, solve issues they may have in learning how to use their computer. Also, for those Internet entrepreneurs who want help with their personal branding...this team has lots to offer. Too much to do and too little time? [http://budurl.com/brandingservices]OutMouseit! and let this dynamic duo work their magic with your personal online branding and more. This short video will give you ideas for your own [http://bit.ly/94AYJy]personal brand. Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Is-Formspring-and-Our-Review-on-This-Social-Me...] What Is Formspring and Our Review on This Social Media Platform
What Is Formspring and Our Review on This Social Media Platform
Until a few days ago I had never heard of Formspring but when asked about it, decided to look into it for you, our readers. According to Wikipedia, this website was established in 2009 for the purpose of asking questions and giving answers in a member's profile. Questions can be asked anonymously and the person, of whom the question is being asked, has the choice to answer the question or not. Both the questions and the answers then are posted to the profile page of the user. The service does allow the user to edit settings so if they don't want to permit anonymous questions they can disallow them. They also allow the capability of linking their Formspring account to their other social networking sites like Facebook, Blogger and Twitter. Formspring ProsAbility to ask questions
Post comments
Promotes communication
Formspring Cons
Questions can already be asked in social networking sites. Why is another site necessary for this?
One more place where the users' personal information is available on the Internet.
Questions can be asked anonymously. This is scary as it opens the doors for cyberbullies.
The site is used mostly by teenagers who are very susceptible to harassment and bullies. Those with low self esteem and/or confidence can take a real hit at sites like these.
Some users openly admit that they like this platform specifically because they don't have to identify themselves when asking a question. (We had another term for kids like this before the Internet & social media!) They can and do leave hurtful and derogatory comments for this very reason. They totally understand that the user would be clueless as to who wrote it, so they can get away with anything. Although to reiterate, the people who use Formspring don't have to answer the questions or post them on their profile. Alas, the damage is already done. By their very nature, many young adults are not mature enough to handle these derogatory and demeaning comments. Since its inception, one suicide of a 17 year old female was linked to Formspring due to the hurtful messages that were posted. Exposing young adults to social media platforms that allow written cruelty has gone way past "pushing the envelope." This is worse then being picked on in school because these taunts are there for the world to see and the damage can be catastrophic. Be aware of the social media sites your kids use and read the comments and questions. Educate them about the dangers and potential risks of these websites. They should know how raw their emotions can become when exposed to cyberbullies. Also, equally important is for them not to become cyberbullies themselves. Hiding behind anonymity can be enticing but can only hurt those you are attacking. For this reason we give Formspring.com "Two Thumbs Down!"Deb Marsden is an experienced Internet training customer support manager. Deb and her good friend and equally experienced customer support gal,Lee Ann, have joined forces and offer their services to computer newbies and not so newbies, solve issues they may have in learning how to use their computer. Also, for those Internet entrepreneurs who want help with their personal branding...this team has lots to offer. Too much to do and too little time? [http://budurl.com/brandingservices]OutMouseit! and let this dynamic duo work their magic with your personal online branding and more. This short video will give you ideas for your own [http://bit.ly/94AYJy]personal brand. Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Is-Formspring-and-Our-Review-on-This-Social-Me...] What Is Formspring and Our Review on This Social Media Platform
