I think virtual worlds will take off eventually but I think they’ll be more open and connectable (forget who’s doing that right now). That has some really interesting repercussions. I’m thinking video games merging with things like 2nd Life - kind of Spore/Sims/Eve Online mix. That’d be interesting.

I’m merely positing that in addition to one being afraid of centralized surveillance, one should also save some fear for decentralized “peeking” (ie. the Little in Little Brother) when one choses to adapt (and abuse) such technology.

You hit it on the nail about data having to be subpoenaed - such a scary fact. Maybe Google will run for office soon? But at the end of the day, it is the citizens who wind up spying on each other rather than BIG GOVT doing all the snitching.

Be afraid and pay your taxes on time.

You argue that we shouldn’t worry about Big Brother, but in addition to our Little Brothers knowing where we are, Google gets to know too. I like the way Google explains the features of Latitude:

With Google Latitude, you can:

* See where your friends are and what they are up to
* Quickly contact them with SMS, IM, or a phone call
* Maintain complete control over your privacy

That third one is a a feature. Usually it’s a clause in an EULA, but they’re obviously aware of how invasive the tech could be. I suspect that Google would turn over the data if given a subpoena. And they would certainly begin to explore location-based advertising (”why not stop by Starbucks on the corner? $.50 off a bagel for the next 10 minutes only!”)

Of course the telecoms already know where you are.

Latitude just lets you create a bunch of Little Brothers along with the Bigger ones already out there.

A good rule of thumb for professionals might be…would I be embarrassed if the person who evaluates me at work reads this comment? In the case of a professor, isn’t that their students?

So to answer your question, more succinctly, Facebook 101: Student will demonstrate that they understand the importance of maintaining a professional online identity by refraining from posting stupid crap in Facebook.

Good luck with that!!

This isn’t a specific recommendation for faculty, but it is an interesting way to think about managing our online selves. Some very interesting ideas here - I’ve been looking for a chance to share Jon’s talk, and your post comes pretty close.