Some (new!) interesting context behind Facebook "Name Gate"

I am sharing this here on my blog because, well, Facebook may use an algorithm to hide it.

Why I am concerned about this:
- Dancers tend to have "dance profiles" as well as personal ones for privacy
- Other FaceBook users with an interest in privacy follow the same pattern
- FB "namegate" has died down, but it is still simmering as an issue for many, causing friends to change to their "real" names or leave FB altogether
- Users who do this enjoy the ability to separate who sees their interests and content, as we are complex creatures who would like some division between the public and the private

I came across two VERY interesting articles yesterday that help to explain why "namegate" is still occurring.  From a technology perspective, it makes sense. (I worked in IT for the last 7 years until a recent job change.)  But, from a User perspective, this is troubling.  As this affects a broad part of the audience here, I wanted to let you process it in order to decide how you want to manage your profiles and information:

Article 1: http://adage.com/article/digitalnext/facebook-s-atlas-means-brands-agencies/295293/

Article 2: http://money.cnn.com/2015/01/09/technology/security/super-cookies/index.html

Essentially, web sites like Facebook realize that you may have multiple machines by which you get to their content.  They also know that they cannot "connect" what you do on one device versus another using traditional technology methods, "cookies," because cookies don't cross machines.  And, they know that you, like me, may frequently delete cookies, browse privately, use different browsers for different surfing (or private surfing), and may feel ultimately secure by using different machines to do your surfing.

But, they need to make that connection in order to increase their value to advertisers.  And, let's face it, unless you are playing Candy Crush instead of reading this, they aren't making money off of you.  Their employees like to get paid, just as we do.

So, looking at this just as a privacy issue* (my day job coworkers don't really need to see the inside of my dance costumes), there are still a few things you can do to have some sense of separation of public and private:

1. Recognize that FB knows and tracks every link you actually click.  If you don't want them to do that, open a different browser and copy / paste the link there, google the article if you have to, or at least log out of FB in your browser if you have only one to work with. (Really, it's not that hard to install Firefox or Chrome.)
2. If you feel that you HAVE to have more than one personal login (i.e. not a page) to Facebook, then use different email addresses and different browsers / machines to separate those activities.  Also, try to avoid names that include variations of "dance" as those are coming under scrutiny.  Be prepared that FB may ask you to prove identity.  Be prepared that if your proof is a business license, you may be asked to move that content to a page.  Be prepared that if your content is on a page, it may be buried or not shown in feeds unless you pay to promote it.
3. If you only have one profile, be aware that every time you like or comment on something set to "public" it will show up in your Facebook friend's list newsfeed as a story.  This is magnified if that like or comment is for a promoted page, such as for a news organization. If you like or comment on a Facebook page, especially a promoted one (my page is not), it will appear in news feeds, too. If a friend tags you in a photo or a post (not a comment), then that information is automatically not only in your news feed, but also the feeds of all of the other persons tagged.  If any of those is set to public, then that information is now public.

Scary, eh?

I give you these tips because, frankly, Facebook is a wonderful way to connect with people who share your interests.  I have friends I have met or gotten to know better because of the service.  I have learned from it and benefitted from it, and I have a very hard time imagining how I would grow as a dancer without it.

But, view it as a tool.  A power tool that can hurt you if used incorrectly or in an unsafe manner.

So, use this Facebook tool wisely dancers.  And, change how you use it if it starts to hurt you.

*There are a lot of issues we could discuss here.  I focus on privacy because that is a top concern for dancers. I believe in the protection of the stage name, I like to create a sense of mystery on stage, and some of my interests either bore or irritate my friends and family.  Feel free to share this, then discuss the other aspects and issues elsewhere.