Is it safe to use Facebook in education?

This week it has been revealed in stunning videos by Channel 4 how the UK-based Cambridge Analytica used data from 50 million Facebook users to spread misinformation before the 2016 US election. As a result #deletefacebook is trending and data privacy on Facebook is unclear. In these circumstances, is it safe to use Facebook in education?

In the lights of recent events, there are three obvious implications:

#DELETEFACEBOOK

It used to be true that all students could be reached with a Facebook page. I personally know students who own Facebook accounts simply to be a part of specific study/course groups. It keeps them in the loop. This is true no more. We see a wave of students flat out, protecting their personal information and refusing to be a part of Facebook.

FACEBOOK’S CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Even though Facebook reacted to the scandal saying Cambridge Analytica violated its policies, there’s no need to pretend Facebook is not commercial, as it was always aiming to sell targeted advertising. They not only want but need your data. Aware or not — you participate in a business scheme. Everything you do is monitored and evaluated.

However you put it, your data is in danger and Cambridge Analytica scandal proves it. As far as you might be willing to get over the consequences for social matters, we shouldn’t be forced to use it for educational purposes. The obvious question is — is it worth it if your data might get exploited?

EXPLOITATION OF DATA

I’m sure you played at least one game on Facebook. Might have been in a form of some quiz or “where will you move next” randomized app. To see the result or play, you had to accept the terms — which we all do. That’s how developer can get access to data not only about you, but your friends as well. What happens next? In this case it was sold/transferred to Cambridge Analytica and exploited in advertising campaign in the 2016 US elections

SO SHOULD I USE FACEBOOK IN EDUCATION?

The choice is obviously yours, but is it safe to use Facebook in Education? Based on what you just read, I suggested answering those questions before making your final decision:

If you answer yes to the points above OK for you, then it’s safe to use Facebook in your case. If not, you should be alarmed.

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