This is a framework I put together months ago when I was working primarily with traditional creatives who were beginning to learn about developing social media concepts.  If you’re working on a social media project it outlines some basic questions to ask and steps to take.  I offer it here in the spirit of sharing.  Please feel free to use it or pass it on!

We hear so much these days about sharing and privacy in the online realm, usually in a tone that is cautionary and alarmist.  There are certainly some reasons for alarm, for example, when a company invades personal privacy against the will of the user.  However, actively sharing what some may consider private information is a much different matter. 

What seems to be of specific concern is young peoples’ sharing habits.  Many wonder what young people are thinking, publishing intimate details of their lives online.  As is often the case, with young people, it is assumed that they know not what they do. But interestingly, recent research shows that young people are actually much better at managing personal information online. In addition, their attitudes about sharing are simply different, and one might argue, more human.
According to Pew Internet & American Life, 18- to 29-year-olds are almost twice as likely than their older counterparts to limit the amount of personal information online, change their privacy settings, delete unwanted comments and remove names from tagged photos on social networks.  In addition, they trust social networks much less than their older counterparts.  They are not the ignorant, self-absorbed, digitally obsessed kids that many make then out to be. In other words, social media will not bring down an entire generation anymore than TV, rock ‘n roll or Woodstock did.
According to another report from Pew, Gen Y is likely to make sharing a lifelong habit.  The majority of experts surveyed by Pew agreed that by 2020, Gen Y’ers “will continue to be ambient broadcasters who disclose a great deal of personal information in order to stay connected.” Ultimately, they benefit from this disclosure, experts said.
There are some naysayers who don’t believe that Gen Y’ers will continue to have the time to share once they get older, with more demanding jobs and family lives.  But my guess is that they will (as they do now) simply watch less TV (for more on that topic, check out Clay Shirky’s latest book, “Cognitive Surplus: Creativity and Generosity in a Connected Age”).
In addition to being smarter about sharing overall, there is a sense that privacy as we know it is outdated. I couldn’t agree more.  Who said it was more proper or more humble to keep both opinions and experiences to oneself?  I am not proposing a total setting aside of decency.  What I am suggesting is that sharing a win may not be bragging and that sharing a challenge may not be whining.  Maybe sharing a win is inspiring and sharing a challenge gives others an opportunity to see you as imperfect.  Who decided that that was a bad thing?
It could be that young people understand this in a way that previous generations, so obsessed with looking good (but not too good) didn’t. When we talk about privacy online, I’d suggest that we look at our own teachings and assumptions, which may no longer serve us as a global community.
Of course, if you disagree, that’s fine too.  Don’t share your personal information online. Technology is not in control here, you are. Just don’t judge me for sharing mine.

I just launched a new blog called Family Friendly Seattle. It’s a place to empower the parent and care giver community in the Seattle area to patronize establishments that welcome families.

If you’re reading this blog you may or may not be interested in this specific subject, but my guess is that you are interested in social media. Family Friendly Seattle was started in the spirit of giving everyone a voice. And it was started for less than $30 and about 10 minutes of effort to set up.
Anyone can do it, and that’s exactly the point!

I’ve been reading a lot today about a new study about young women’s behavior on Facebook by Lightspeed Research, on behalf of the Oxygen Media Insights Group. I have yet to find the actual research report online so I can’t comment on it, but it supposedly says that women are self-proclaimed Facebook addicts. And wow, the press has taken that and run with it, using it as an excuse to put down female behavior on Facebook overall.

The articles I have seen today, all written my men, show a distinct lack of understanding of how people in general use social networks. Women have always been more enthusiastic consumers of social networks—or at least ones where personal connections can be made and two-way conversations can occur. Yes, Twitter has a larger male audience but it’s also about being listened to rather than conversing, a behavior more aligned with males.

I personally have conducted global research regarding social media and have found this to be true. In addition, the research I have done with young people show that males tend to use the Internet to meet (one can interpet that as “hit on”) young women, whereas women do not generally conduct this behavior. So whose behavior is right here?

In summary, the coverage I have read today is sexist. If you’re in the mainstream press, I’d suggest learning more about how people actually use the web before you make sexist judgements.

User Experience professionals have been reluctant to play in the social media space — so we have no one but ourselves to blame when we see it being misused. What’s our problem? I have my theories. Read my full article on the MIX blog.