Facebook discrimination

[Mandamom]

I saw this article today and thought it was interesting.

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/offbeat/2008/02/does_facebook_discriminate_aga_1.html?nav=rss_blog

[CookieMonster]

Is it a situation they should address? Probably. But are they intentionally trying to single out homeschoolers? I don't get that drift.

The security measures they have chosen to use have the end result of discriminating against homeschoolers, but I don't think that was ever the intent. How would you suggest they verify homeschoolers as legit in order to protect their other online students from predators claiming to be homeschoolers?

Also, facebook is a private service, not a public service. They don't have to cater to any group they don't desire to. I'm not sure they'll get much flack from not catering to homeschoolers, so I wouldn't expect a change.

[GothicGyrl]

I see the problem, but lack the compassion to care. Myspace has just as large a homeschool group if you look for it. And what facebook does, myspace does as well. There is also mypraize and of course, message boards.

It is not discrimination one bit. I just don't think they thought homeschoolers would be interested in this sort of thing when it was created, therefore they didn't create room for them.

The kid had the right idea though--there are much better things to do. :)

[Mandamom]

and until they can come up with a better security measure they probably won't be able to change anything.

[Mandamom]

>>> I just don't think they thought homeschoolers would be interested in this sort of thing when it was created, therefore they didn't create room for them. >>>

I really think they just forgot the whole homeschooling community. Not out of malice but maybe just from not having any exposure to homeschoolers. There are tons of people out there who don't know homeschoolers.

[Kelli in TN]

I have a facebook account and I don't remember listing a school. My son has a facebook account and so does his wife, and they are not in school. And I know of many, many homeschool kids with facebook accounts.

How can this be?:confused:

[GothicGyrl]

It said if they were under 18 they had to register with a school type thing. I don't get it either, but that's what the article said.

[Call Me Cordelia]

I have lots of under 18 friends on facebook; I'll have to see what they did.

[Kelli in TN]

I have lots of under 18 friends on facebook; I'll have to see what they did.

Is there a different sign up for under 18's? I only ever signed up as a middle age mom, so I don't know. :D

[GothicGyrl]

Do that, because I cannot see them asking for a school like they did for him, as "verification" to join... I think there is something wonky with this...

[Leah]

Yeah, this sounds a bit off to me...I have facebook homeschooling "friends" under 18 and I just checked-they don't list a school and they have the correct b'day (so the register as a minor.)

[Mandamom]

get this information?

Thanks for letting me know the truth. I don't use facebook or myspace. Actually I should use myspace as it is the only way to keep up with my cousin.