Switched http://www.switched.com Switched http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.switched.com/media/feedlogo.gif Switched http://www.switched.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Facebook Strikes Deal to Create New Social Network in China]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/11/facebook-baidu-deal-new-social-network-in-china/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/11/facebook-baidu-deal-new-social-network-in-china/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/11/facebook-baidu-deal-new-social-network-in-china/#comments baidui Facebook is reportedly working with China's largest search engine to create a new, jointly owned social network. The collaboration with Baidu would allow Facebook to get a foothold in the Chinese market while giving Baidu the chance to capitalize on Mark Zuckerberg's network-building expertise. The new site would still need to be approved by Chinese's Internet regulators, who retain final say on pretty much everything. And it definitely wouldn't be able to use the Facebook.com URL, which remains blocked throughout the mainland.

SwitchedFacebook Strikes Deal to Create New Social Network in China originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baidubusinesscensorshipchinafacebookMarkZuckerbergpoliticssearchSocialNetworkingthe+social+networkthesocialnetworktopWebMon, 11 Apr 2011 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Jonathan Franzen's New Yorker Piece Hides Behind a Facebook Like Wall]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/11/jonathan-franzen-new-yorker-piece-hides-behind-facebook-like/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/11/jonathan-franzen-new-yorker-piece-hides-behind-facebook-like/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/11/jonathan-franzen-new-yorker-piece-hides-behind-facebook-like/#comments franzen on facebook Jonathan Franzen has a new piece in The New Yorker, but you'll have to become a fan of the magazine on Facebook if you want to read the whole thing. Taking its cue from the likes of Lil Wayne and Jennifer Lopez, The New Yorker has published Franzen's piece exclusively on its Facebook page in an effort to engage readers on the social network. The essay covers Franzen's trip to the island of Alejandro Selkirk, where he went to mourn the death of his friend, writer David Foster Wallace.

SwitchedJonathan Franzen's New Yorker Piece Hides Behind a Facebook Like Wall originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CondeNastDavidFosterWallaceessayfacebookfranzenJonathanFranzenlikemagazinenew+yorkernew+yorker+franzen+facebooknewyorkernewyorkerfranzenfacebookSocialNetworkingTheNewYorkertopWebwritingMon, 11 Apr 2011 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Scam Claims Facebook is Deleting Accounts]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/08/facebook-scam-claims-site-is-deleting-accounts/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/08/facebook-scam-claims-site-is-deleting-accounts/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/08/facebook-scam-claims-site-is-deleting-accounts/#comments Facebook Closing Account Scam
Haven't you ever heard the old adage, "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is"? Well it doesn't just apply to things that are "good" -- it works for just about anything that sounds a bit unbelievable, like that Facebook is going to close all user accounts. It's not gonna happen. That hasn't stopped a new scam from spreading via a rogue app that posts the following message to your wall:
Facebook is closing all accounts today. They can't handle so many accounts. Most of the old accounts are not active, so they are deleting everything. If you want your account alive please confirm your activity. This is the final notice!
At the end of the wall post is a link that asks you to install an app called 'Confirm your activity - Official Application' with the Facebook logo as its icon. If you grant it permission to access your information and post to your wall (which you obviously shouldn't do), it will immediately begin posting links to itself on your wall while distracting you with a scam survey that earns a commission for the conmen (or conwomen) behind it.

Continue reading Latest Scam Claims Facebook is Deleting Accounts

SwitchedLatest Scam Claims Facebook is Deleting Accounts originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsfacebookfacebook scamFacebookScamsecuritysocial networkingSocialNetworkingtopFri, 08 Apr 2011 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Turn Your Friends Into Stock With Empire Avenue's Social Game]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/07/empire-avenue-game-turns-friends-into-stock/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/07/empire-avenue-game-turns-friends-into-stock/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/07/empire-avenue-game-turns-friends-into-stock/#comments empire avenue Social networking is a numbers game. Not only do you try to get the "right" amount of friends on Facebook and a good follower/followed ratio on Twitter, but it's all about wielding some social currency: who knows whom, where you get invited, if you'll get the scoop on the latest celeb death. Nowadays, social networking is quantifying the power of your friendships.

But talking analytics will make the average Facebooker's eyes glaze over. Transitioning it into a buy/sell/trade stock market game, however, suddenly turns your socialite friend into a hot commodity. Empire Avenue, a "social influence stock market" has now launched its Facebook app, which allows players to "buy and sell" the people they know, leveraging profit. The idea is that active, socially "fluent" people are worth more -- the more you tweet, post and share, the higher your value is. Then, you can take the game's currency, called "eaves," and purchase in-game items, which can also increase your value. The more people you invite, the greater access you'll have.

Continue reading Turn Your Friends Into Stock With Empire Avenue's Social Game

SwitchedTurn Your Friends Into Stock With Empire Avenue's Social Game originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsempire avenueEmpireAvenuefacebookgamingsocial networksocial networkingSocialNetworkSocialNetworkingstock marketStockMarkettoptwitterThu, 07 Apr 2011 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop Unveils New Facebook Store]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/07/gamestop-unveils-new-facebook-store/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/07/gamestop-unveils-new-facebook-store/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/07/gamestop-unveils-new-facebook-store/#comments gamestop on facebook GameStop opened a new store today on Facebook. The shop, accessible via GameStop's Facebook page, allows users to purchase games online, read product reviews, watch trailers and find nearby GameStop outlets. Fans of the retailer can also "like" and share specific games on Facebook, and earn points via GameStop's customer loyalty program.

Today's launch is just the latest in a series of recent moves from GameStop, which appears eager to expand its operations. Last year, the company bought social gaming site Kongregate, and, just a few days ago, it acquired game-streaming startup Spawn Labs. According to Technologizer, GameStop has even considered developing its own tablet, though details remain hazy.

SwitchedGameStop Unveils New Facebook Store originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookgamesgamestopgamingSocialGamingSocialNetworkingtopVideoGamesWebThu, 07 Apr 2011 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[U.S. Might Use Facebook, Twitter to Broadcast Terrorism Alerts]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/07/u-s-might-use-facebook-twitter-to-broadcast-terrorism-alerts/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/07/u-s-might-use-facebook-twitter-to-broadcast-terrorism-alerts/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/07/u-s-might-use-facebook-twitter-to-broadcast-terrorism-alerts/#commentsfacebook loginThe U.S. government is considering using Facebook and Twitter to issue terrorism warnings, as part of its revamped terror alert system.

According to a draft of a Homeland Security plan obtained by the AP, the government would broadcast the warnings via Facebook and Twitter "when appropriate," and only after federal, state and local officials have already been alerted. But these warnings won't be quite as complex as before. The new system features only two alert levels -- 'elevated' and 'imminent' -- rather than the five colors that comprised the previous scale.

Continue reading U.S. Might Use Facebook, Twitter to Broadcast Terrorism Alerts

SwitchedU.S. Might Use Facebook, Twitter to Broadcast Terrorism Alerts originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alertfacebookHomeland SecurityHomelandSecuritypoliticsSocialNetworkingterrorismtoptwitterwarningWebThu, 07 Apr 2011 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Chicago Catholic Church Warns Parents About Facebook]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/07/chicago-catholic-church-warns-parents-about-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/07/chicago-catholic-church-warns-parents-about-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/07/chicago-catholic-church-warns-parents-about-facebook/#comments facebook conversation While some outlets may bash Chicago's St. John Cantius Roman Catholic church for warning its parishioners of Facebook's moral dangers, we won't. After all, the church's clergy didn't forbid Facebook; they just declared that it facilitates vanity and dishonesty (specifically in children), allowing them to concoct their own identities and social realities with less risk of real-world consequence. We're right there with the church. Maybe we should've given up Facebook for Lent...

SwitchedChicago Catholic Church Warns Parents About Facebook originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>catholicchicago catholic churchChicagoCatholicChurchfacebookkidsparentsreligionsocialnetworkingtopThu, 07 Apr 2011 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Obama, Zuckerberg to Hold Town Hall Meeting on Facebook]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/06/obama-zuckerberg-to-hold-town-hall-meeting-on-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/06/obama-zuckerberg-to-hold-town-hall-meeting-on-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/06/obama-zuckerberg-to-hold-town-hall-meeting-on-facebook/#comments obama and zuckerberg The White House has announced that President Obama will hold a Town Hall meeting later this month, alongside Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and company COO Sheryl Sandberg. The event, scheduled for April 20th, will be held at Facebook headquarters and live-streamed via the social network. You can RSVP on the White House Facebook page or submit your questions to the President here.

SwitchedObama, Zuckerberg to Hold Town Hall Meeting on Facebook originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barack obamaBarackObamafacebookfacebook town hallFacebookTownHallMarkZuckerbergobamapoliticspresident obamaPresidentObamaSocialNetworkingTownHallWebWed, 06 Apr 2011 09:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Michigan Man Finds Kidney Donor on Facebook]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/05/jeff-kurze-finds-kidney-donor-on-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/05/jeff-kurze-finds-kidney-donor-on-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/05/jeff-kurze-finds-kidney-donor-on-facebook/#comments

Jeff Kurze is a 35-year-old man from Michigan who suffers from chronic interstitial nephritis -- a condition that led to kidney failure and forced him to go through dialysis treatments three times per day. Kurze was in dire need of a kidney transplant, but his doctors told him it would likely be three to five years before he could find a donor. With their desperation mounting, Kurze and his wife turned to Facebook, where they found a life-saving solution.

Kurze's wife, Roxy, recently posted a note to the social networking site, explaining her husband's situation and asking for any donors to come forward. The post caught the attention of 25-year-old Ricky Cisco, who immediately contacted the Kurzes and offered his kidney to a man he didn't even know. After conducting some tests, doctors determined that Cisco was a suitable match. Last week, the two men went to the hospital to complete the transplant, and both are currently in good condition.

Continue reading Michigan Man Finds Kidney Donor on Facebook

SwitchedMichigan Man Finds Kidney Donor on Facebook originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>donorfacebookhealthjeff kurzeJeffKurzekidneykidney transplantKidneyTransplantmedicineorgan donorOrganDonorSocialNetworkingtopWebTue, 05 Apr 2011 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook iPhone App Update Lets You Unfriend on the Go]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/05/facebook-iphone-app-update-lets-you-unfriend-on-the-go/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/05/facebook-iphone-app-update-lets-you-unfriend-on-the-go/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/05/facebook-iphone-app-update-lets-you-unfriend-on-the-go/#commentsFacebook released an update to its iPhone app yesterday, bringing event check-ins and enhanced map functionality. Rather than relying on Facebook Places, users can now check in at events and use Google Maps to visualize where their friends have checked in. And, perhaps best of all, the update allows you to unfriend people directly from your phone. No word yet on when these features will come to Android, but iPhone users can grab the update here.

SwitchedFacebook iPhone App Update Lets You Unfriend on the Go originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appscheck-infacebookGoogleMapsiphonemapsSocialNetworkingtopunfriendupdateTue, 05 Apr 2011 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook Photoshop Scam Spreading Like Wildfire]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/04/facebook-photoshop-scam-spreading-like-wildfire/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/04/facebook-photoshop-scam-spreading-like-wildfire/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/04/facebook-photoshop-scam-spreading-like-wildfire/#comments Facebook Photoshop Scam
Share
Clicking on Facebook links is dangerous business. At least a few of aren't aware of this sad fact; otherwise, the latest scam Facebook app wouldn't be spreading at the alarming rate of almost 90,000 clicks per hour.

M86 Security labs reported the latest link hoax, which spreads quickly via Facebook Chat. It starts with a message from a friend that reads, "hey, I just made a photoshop of you, check it out :p" with a link attached. Clicking the link brings up a prompt, which asks you to install a Facebook app that requests access to Chat. Of course, it then immediately begins spamming your friends with the same message. It keeps you distracted by redirecting you to a blog featuring "45 Strange and Funny Photoshop Manipulations" such as a person's face on a dog. Needless to say, none of them feature your face.

Continue reading Facebook Photoshop Scam Spreading Like Wildfire

SwitchedFacebook Photoshop Scam Spreading Like Wildfire originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsfacebookfacebook photoshop scamfacebook+photoshop+scamfacebookphotoshopscamphotoshopscamscamssecuritytopwebMon, 04 Apr 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Chicago Teacher Accused of Ridiculing 7-Year-Old Student on Facebook]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/01/ukailya-lofton-ridiculed-on-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/01/ukailya-lofton-ridiculed-on-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/01/ukailya-lofton-ridiculed-on-facebook/#commentsA public school teacher in Chicago is under investigation for allegedly ridiculing one of her students on Facebook.

Last week, 7-year-old Ukailya Lofton attached Jolly Rancher candies to the ends of her braids in celebration of her school's picture day. The hairstyle reportedly amused Lofton's computer teacher, who allegedly took a picture of the child with her cell phone and shared it on Facebook. "She took a picture of me and then she said my boyfriend can't believe this," Lofton told Chicago's ABC7.

Continue reading Chicago Teacher Accused of Ridiculing 7-Year-Old Student on Facebook

SwitchedChicago Teacher Accused of Ridiculing 7-Year-Old Student on Facebook originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 17:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chicagofacebookinvestigationphotosschoolSocialNetworkingstudentsteacherstopUkailya LoftonUkailyaLoftonWebFri, 01 Apr 2011 17:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Lawyer Files $1 Billion Lawsuit Against Facebook, Zuckerberg Over Palestinian Intifada Page]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/01/larry-klayman-files-billion-dollar-lawsuit-against-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/01/larry-klayman-files-billion-dollar-lawsuit-against-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/01/larry-klayman-files-billion-dollar-lawsuit-against-facebook/#commentsEarlier this week, Facebook pulled a controversial page calling for a Third Palestinian Intifada after facing intense pressure and criticism from Israeli politicians and organizations like the Anti-Defamation League. When it eventually decided to remove the page, the social network explained the decision by pointing out that comments on the page had "deteriorated to direct calls for violence," thereby warranting its termination per company policy. One lawyer, however, thinks Facebook should've yanked the page much earlier -- and he's asking for more than $1 billion to help heal the wounds.

Political activist Larry Klayman is the man behind the billion-dollar, class-action lawsuit, filed yesterday in Washington. Klayman, who is Jewish, alleges that Facebook and CEO Mark Zuckerberg (also Jewish) intentionally kept the Intifada page active in order to "further their revenues and the net worth" of the company. Doing so, he claims, put Klayman's own life in jeopardy, since he has been "called a Zionist publicly by radical Palestinians and other such Arabic interests." Naturally, this led Klayman to consider himself "a target of this call to kill Jews."

Continue reading Lawyer Files $1 Billion Lawsuit Against Facebook, Zuckerberg Over Palestinian Intifada Page

SwitchedLawyer Files $1 Billion Lawsuit Against Facebook, Zuckerberg Over Palestinian Intifada Page originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookintifadaIsraellarry klaymanLarryKlaymanlawsuitMark ZuckerbergMarkZuckerbergPalestinepoliticsSocialNetworkingthe social networkTheSocialNetworktopWebFri, 01 Apr 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook Efforts to Stop 'Likejacking' Fall Flat]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/30/facebooks-likejacking-approach-is-weak-sauce/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/30/facebooks-likejacking-approach-is-weak-sauce/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/30/facebooks-likejacking-approach-is-weak-sauce/#commentsAfter an increasing number of "likejackings," Facebook has finally started to address the problem. But the solution is haphazard at best, say security experts. Likejacking -- the process spammers use to make users click a "like" button hidden beneath some especially tantalizing linkbait -- has become more prevalent. If your Facebook friends seem to be "liking" far too many embarrassing things of late, blame linkbait (unless they just have bad taste). To combat the problem, Facebook has set up a system that looks for strange "like" patterns; when it finds one, it demands extra confirmation from a user. (Basically, "Are you sure you like this?")

But it doesn't exactly work.

Continue reading Facebook Efforts to Stop 'Likejacking' Fall Flat

SwitchedFacebook Efforts to Stop 'Likejacking' Fall Flat originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clickjackclickjackingfacebookFacebookLifejackinglikeLikeButtonlinkbaitlinkjacklinkjackingsecuritytopWed, 30 Mar 2011 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook Changes Mind, Shuts Down Palestinian Intifada Page]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/30/facebook-shuts-down-palestinian-intifada-page/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/30/facebook-shuts-down-palestinian-intifada-page/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/30/facebook-shuts-down-palestinian-intifada-page/#comments facebook page Retreating from its previous stance, Facebook yesterday announced that it had pulled a page calling for a Third Palestinian Intifada. Israeli Cabinet Minister Yuli Edelstein wrote Mark Zuckerberg last week to request that the page be shuttered, but Facebook initially refused to do so; the company claimed that there was nothing overtly violent about the page, which was established as a call for peaceful protests on May 15th.

What happened afterward should surprise no one familiar with the hype effect. Facebook's public policy communications manager Andrew Noyes noted that "after the publicity of the page, more comments deteriorated to direct calls for violence," which the page's creators parroted in turn.

Continue reading Facebook Changes Mind, Shuts Down Palestinian Intifada Page

SwitchedFacebook Changes Mind, Shuts Down Palestinian Intifada Page originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookintifadaisraelMarkZuckerbergMiddleEastpalestinepalestinianspoliticsprotectionSocialNetworkingThirdPalestinianIntifadatopWed, 30 Mar 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Teen Arrested for Posing as Police Officer, Asking Women for Sex on Facebook]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/29/bradley-bellamy-arrested-for-posing-as-cop-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/29/bradley-bellamy-arrested-for-posing-as-cop-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/29/bradley-bellamy-arrested-for-posing-as-cop-facebook/#commentsPolice in South Carolina have arrested a teenage boy who has been accused of impersonating an officer on Facebook in hopes that his false identity would convince women to have sex with him.

Horry County police were alerted to the teen's scheme on March 14th, when a woman named Tonya Godwin complained that an officer was harassing her on Facebook. According to Godwin, a man going by the name of Officer Jamie Jernigan had been sending her messages over the social network, asking her to meet up for sex. The man also claimed to be a volunteer firefighter and a U.S. Marine.

Continue reading Teen Arrested for Posing as Police Officer, Asking Women for Sex on Facebook

SwitchedTeen Arrested for Posing as Police Officer, Asking Women for Sex on Facebook originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crimefacebookfraudharassmentimpersonatorlawpolicesexSocialNetworkingSouthCarolinateenstopWebTue, 29 Mar 2011 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[MTV's 'Diary' Goes Inside Facebook]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/29/mtvs-diary-goes-inside-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/29/mtvs-diary-goes-inside-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/29/mtvs-diary-goes-inside-facebook/#comments
'The Social Network' and '60 Minutes' may have given you a glimpse at the life of Mark Zuckerberg, but what do we know about the day-to-day operations at Facebook? MTV's 'Diary' plans to expose the inner workings of the social network by profiling a technical engineer named Pedram and a consumer-marketing employee named Erin. The episode will air this Wednesday at 11:00 p.m.

SwitchedMTV's 'Diary' Goes Inside Facebook originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diaryfacebookmtvMtvDiarySocialNetworkingtopTue, 29 Mar 2011 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Warner Bros. Expands Its Facebook Movie Rentals With 'Harry Potter']]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/28/warner-bros-expands-its-facebook-movie-rentals-with-harry-pott/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/28/warner-bros-expands-its-facebook-movie-rentals-with-harry-pott/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/28/warner-bros-expands-its-facebook-movie-rentals-with-harry-pott/#commentsWarner Bros. has announced that five new movies are now available to rent on Facebook, as part of a service that the studio launched earlier this month. In addition to 'The Dark Knight,' users will now be able to rent 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone,' 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,' 'Inception,' 'Life as We Know It' and 'Yogi Bear.' Each film can be rented for 48 hours using Facebook credits. Check out PC World for a guide on how to get started.

SwitchedWarner Bros. Expands Its Facebook Movie Rentals With 'Harry Potter' originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookFacebookCreditsfilmHarryPotterinceptionmoviesrentalsSocialNetworkingtopwarner+brothersWebyogi bearYogiBearMon, 28 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NYT: Facebook Wants Obama Press Secretary Gibbs to Join the Team]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/28/facebook-eyes-robert-gibbs/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/28/facebook-eyes-robert-gibbs/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/28/facebook-eyes-robert-gibbs/#commentsFormer White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs is in talks with Facebook to join its communications team, according to the New York Times. Gibbs left the White House team last month, after two years of service as press secretary (the longest one can serve without suffering permanent soul damage). Although Gibbs has reportedly planned to work on Obama's 2012 reelection bid before fully entering the private sector, Facebook apparently hopes that he will accelerate the transition. Rumor has it that Facebook wants Gibbs to head up its communications efforts in advance of its initial public offering early next year. After two years of dealing with the White House press corps, convincing people that Facebook is a good investment (or that it actually cares about your privacy) should be a walk in the park.

SwitchedNYT: Facebook Wants Obama Press Secretary Gibbs to Join the Team originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookpoliticsPressSecretaryRobertGibbstopWhiteHouseMon, 28 Mar 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Cloud Girlfriend' Makes Sad Guys Feel Worse About Being Single]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/26/cloud-girlfriend-makes-sad-guys-feel-worse-about-being-single/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/26/cloud-girlfriend-makes-sad-guys-feel-worse-about-being-single/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/26/cloud-girlfriend-makes-sad-guys-feel-worse-about-being-single/#comments cloud girlfriend It's easy to feel sorry for lonely dudes. Beyond the fact that they are desolate, there are entire industries devoted to making them feel worse and taking their money. (The same goes for lonely ladies, as well, but let's keep the focus on guys for a moment). So, when apps like 'Cloud Girlfriend' come along, offering to create the "perfect woman" who will fake a loving relationship with someone on Facebook, we can't decide what concerns us more: the fact that individuals might actually pay for this service out of desperation, or that the creators actually thought it could be a lucrative service.

Continue reading 'Cloud Girlfriend' Makes Sad Guys Feel Worse About Being Single

Switched'Cloud Girlfriend' Makes Sad Guys Feel Worse About Being Single originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 26 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appscloud+girlfriendCloudGirlfriendfacebookFacebookAppsLOLZrelationshipstopVirtualGirlfriendSat, 26 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Majority of Americans Now on Facebook, Report Says]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/25/majority-of-americans-now-on-facebook-report-says/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/25/majority-of-americans-now-on-facebook-report-says/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/25/majority-of-americans-now-on-facebook-report-says/#commentsIf you're over the age of 12 and not on Facebook, you're in the (slight) minority. According to a soon-to-be-published report from Edison Research, 51-percent of all American "adults" (i.e., ages 12 and up) have an account on the social networking site. Just three years ago, that figure was only 8-percent. There are also plenty of 12-year olds using the site, but Facebook is exterminating those little termites as fast as it can.

SwitchedMajority of Americans Now on Facebook, Report Says originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>edison researchEdisonResearchfacebookreportSocialNetworkingstatisticsstudytopFri, 25 Mar 2011 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook Questions Gets Revamped as Polling Service]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/25/facebook-questions-unveiled-as-polling-service/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/25/facebook-questions-unveiled-as-polling-service/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/25/facebook-questions-unveiled-as-polling-service/#comments Facebook Questions Back in July, Facebook launched Questions, a feature meant to take on reigning Q&A kings Quora, Aardvark and Yahoo! Answers. Saying that it fell short is being polite. Now the service is relaunching in a form that's nothing like its original targets. The new Questions is limited to friends and provides responses in an easy to read poll format. You can check it out now at Facebook.com/questions.

SwitchedFacebook Questions Gets Revamped as Polling Service originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookfacebook questionsFacebookQuestionsquestionssocial networkingSocialNetworkingtopFri, 25 Mar 2011 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook Rolls Out 'Social Ads,' But Here's How to Opt-Out]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/24/facebook-social-ads-roll-out-how-to-opt-out/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/24/facebook-social-ads-roll-out-how-to-opt-out/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/24/facebook-social-ads-roll-out-how-to-opt-out/#comments facebook opt out Facebook has begun rolling out its controversial 'Social Ads' campaign, which allows companies to use your name and profile picture in advertisements targeted to your friends.

Under the new service, users who 'like' certain pages, events or apps could have their name and picture displayed in online ads for participating companies. If you 'like' Starbucks, for example, your face may pop up in an ad or a promotion on someone else's account. Ads with your name will be visible only to the friends who are allowed to see your status updates and Wall posts. As always, then, your visibility will depend upon how restrictive your privacy settings are.

Continue reading Facebook Rolls Out 'Social Ads,' But Here's How to Opt-Out

SwitchedFacebook Rolls Out 'Social Ads,' But Here's How to Opt-Out originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 09:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingfacebookopt-outprivacySocial AdsSocialAdsSocialNetworkingTargetedAdvertisingtopWebThu, 24 Mar 2011 09:22:00 EST<![CDATA[With Gottfried Out, Aflac Looks for a New Voice]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/23/with-gottfried-out-aflac-looks-for-a-new-voice/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/23/with-gottfried-out-aflac-looks-for-a-new-voice/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/23/with-gottfried-out-aflac-looks-for-a-new-voice/#commentsNow that Gilbert Gottfried has been axed from his job as the voice of the Aflac duck, the insurance company is scrambling to find a replacement -- and it's looking to Monster for help.

Aflac has already pulled all commercials featuring Gottfried, who was fired last week after posting a series of offensive jokes about Japan to his Twitter account. At first, the company considered running the same ads with a different voice, but ultimately decided to hold an open competition for the job.

Continue reading With Gottfried Out, Aflac Looks for a New Voice

SwitchedWith Gottfried Out, Aflac Looks for a New Voice originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aflacAflacDuckcommercialduckfacebookGilbertGottfriedinsurancemonsterSocialNetworkingtopWebWed, 23 Mar 2011 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook Game Offers Free Trip to Ireland for Best Virtual Roof-Thatchers]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/23/ireland-town-brings-farmville-model-to-tourism/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/23/ireland-town-brings-farmville-model-to-tourism/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/23/ireland-town-brings-farmville-model-to-tourism/#comments 'ireland town' In the same way that 'Mafia Wars' has drawn attention to Jersey, and 'FarmVille' has drawn attention to... uh... Iowa (or something), Zynga's newest Facebook gaming sensation 'Ireland Town' is advertising the Emerald Isle to Facebook users enthralled by such virtual activities as brewing beer and thatching roofs. Developed by Tourism Ireland, a joint enterprise between Ireland and Northern Ireland, the game offers a free trip to Erin for the best of the thatchers and brewers.

SwitchedFacebook Game Offers Free Trip to Ireland for Best Virtual Roof-Thatchers originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookFarmVilleirelandIrelandTownMafiaWarsNorthernIrelandonlinegamingsocialnetworkingtopwebWed, 23 Mar 2011 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Your Folks Joined Facebook to Talk About Politics, Not You]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/22/your-folks-joined-facebook-to-talk-about-politics-not-you/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/22/your-folks-joined-facebook-to-talk-about-politics-not-you/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/22/your-folks-joined-facebook-to-talk-about-politics-not-you/#comments accepting parents on facebook Obviously, we'd all like to imagine that our parents joined Facebook just to make our lives miserable. But, according to Pew Internet, the olds got wise to social networks for "political purposes" during the last election cycle. The research organization found a massive jump in politically oriented Internet use from the 2006 election, and discovered that more than one in five online adults turned to social networks in 2010 in order to be engaged with politics. Like, whatever.

SwitchedYour Folks Joined Facebook to Talk About Politics, Not You originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookoldsparentsPewInternetAndAmericanLifeProjectSocialNetworkingtoptwitterwebTue, 22 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook Kicks Out 20,000 Underage Users Every Day, Privacy Chief Claims]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/22/facebook-boots-20-000-underage-users-every-day/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/22/facebook-boots-20-000-underage-users-every-day/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/22/facebook-boots-20-000-underage-users-every-day/#comments kid on computer It's no secret that Facebook has plenty of underage users, but, according to a report from the Daily Telegraph, the social network is doing its best to keep them out.

Facebook's chief privacy adviser, Mozelle Thompson, confirmed yesterday that the site bans about 20,000 underage users every day, as part of its campaign to tighten its 13-and-older age limit. Speaking to a Parliamentary cyber-safety commission in Australia, Thompson added that the site has adopted mechanisms to detect when kids lie about their ages, but acknowledged that they're still "not perfect."

Thompson went on to say that the company would soon hire a local safety expert in Australia, in order to more efficiently handle local security issues.

SwitchedFacebook Kicks Out 20,000 Underage Users Every Day, Privacy Chief Claims originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiacybersecurityfacebookkidspolicysafetysecuritySocialNetworkingtopunderageWebTue, 22 Mar 2011 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[British Hacker Gets Two Years for Laundering Zynga Credits]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/21/ashley-mitchell-jailed-stealing-7m-from-zynga/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/21/ashley-mitchell-jailed-stealing-7m-from-zynga/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/21/ashley-mitchell-jailed-stealing-7m-from-zynga/#commentsEarlier today, a British hacker was sentenced to two years in prison for five counts of hacking and theft. Ashley Mitchell, 29, hacked into Zynga (the game giant behind 'FarmVille' and 'Texas HoldEm Poker'), stole more than $11 million in credits, and laundered a third of them through Facebook.

There are some potentially interesting ramifications to this case. The court ignored the defense's argument that, because Zynga can produce limitless chips, the theft couldn't be assigned a specific dollar amount. Lawyers had argued for leniency, noting that Mitchell was addicted to online games, and was gambling upwards of $1,500 per day when he committed the theft in 2009. Sort of like wearing a name tag to a bank heist, Mitchell was identified because he was logged into his own Facebook profile during one of the attacks.

SwitchedBritish Hacker Gets Two Years for Laundering Zynga Credits originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictionbritaincrimeenglandfacebookfarmvillegamblinggaminginternetsecuritytopwebzygnaMon, 21 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone App Makes Drunken Tweets, Status Updates Magically Disappear]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/21/last-night-never-happened-iphone-app/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/21/last-night-never-happened-iphone-app/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/21/last-night-never-happened-iphone-app/#commentsEvery now and then, we come across a new iPhone app that makes us scratch our chins and wonder, "How did this not exist already?" 'Last Night Never Happened' is one such app.

LNNH markets itself as "the world's first morning-after app," but, unfortunately, it's not what it sounds like. This app, you see, has one goal, and one goal only: to wipe out all the tweets and status updates that Drunk You posted last night, in order to make life more manageable for Hungover You this bleary morning.

Gallery: Last Night Never Happened

Continue reading iPhone App Makes Drunken Tweets, Status Updates Magically Disappear

SwitchediPhone App Makes Drunken Tweets, Status Updates Magically Disappear originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsdrinkdrunkfacebookiphoneiphone appIphoneApplast night never happenedLastNightNeverHappenedtoptwitterMon, 21 Mar 2011 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Prankster Duo Lovingly Retouches Facebook Photos, With a Splash of Derp]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/21/prankster-duo-lovingly-retouches-facebook-photos-with-a-splash/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/21/prankster-duo-lovingly-retouches-facebook-photos-with-a-splash/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/21/prankster-duo-lovingly-retouches-facebook-photos-with-a-splash/#comments james' face If you're a prankster with a modicum of Photoshop skills, you'll probably want to get in on this one. Oli and Alex are charmers who use their innate artistic abilities to seriously piss off their hapless friend James. As Oli puts it: "I like going onto my friend's Facebook page, taking photos of him, changing them slightly, then putting them back up on Facebook. He doesn't like me doing this." Some are subtle (a slightly redder, puffier face), but most aren't. All, however, are exceedingly obnoxious. Hooray for friends!

SwitchedPrankster Duo Lovingly Retouches Facebook Photos, With a Splash of Derp originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>annoyingBadFriendsfacebookFacebookPhotosfriendslolzphotographyphotosphotoshoppranksSocialNetworkingtopMon, 21 Mar 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook Status Update Thwarts Armed Robbery]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/19/nitesh-bhakta-uses-facebook-in-attic-thwart-robbery/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/19/nitesh-bhakta-uses-facebook-in-attic-thwart-robbery/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/19/nitesh-bhakta-uses-facebook-in-attic-thwart-robbery/#comments nitesh bhakta We think of Facebook as a lot of things, but life-saving is usually not one of them. But the social network was the lifeline for 20-year-old Nitesh Bhakta and his family, who found themselves in the midst of an armed robbery last week in Cartersville, G.A. The University of Georgia student was sitting in his room at home when he heard his grandmother scream. He opened the door to his room and saw three masked men wielding guns. Nitesh immediately locked his door and hid in the attic, stopping first to grab his laptop. The student had forgotten his cell phone back in Athens, and was unable to call for help. So he did the only thing he could think of: He posted a status update to Facebook.

Most of Nitesh's friends took his message -- "HELP, ROBBERS, NO PHONE" -- as a joke. Thankfully, his best friend John Salter took him seriously and immediately called the Bartow County Sheriff's Department. Nitesh hid in the dark attic while the intruders tied his grandmother and younger sister up downstairs. But, as soon as they heard the sirens, all three perps fled. Police only managed to nab one of the suspects, but the other two shouldn't be hard to track down. They both dropped their cell phones at the scene.

Continue reading Facebook Status Update Thwarts Armed Robbery

SwitchedFacebook Status Update Thwarts Armed Robbery originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 19 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crimefacebooknitesh bhaktaNiteshBhaktasocial networkingSocialNetworkingtopSat, 19 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[You Have Ten Seconds To Edit Your Facebook Comment. Get Cracking!]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/18/edit-facebook-comments-how-to/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/18/edit-facebook-comments-how-to/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/18/edit-facebook-comments-how-to/#comments editing a facebook comment Facebook has updated its commenting system (again, sigh) and among the sillier of "improvements" is an edit feature that lasts approximately ten seconds. Lifehacker details how to edit your comment: Basically, just hit the delete "X" and it will reopen the text entry box, allowing you the opportunity to polish those precious words of yours. There's tons of caveats, however -- chief among them that it appears to last less than half a minute, and if you refresh the page the editability disappears altogether. Sadly, it looks like there is still no way to un-poke someone. Get on it, Facebook!

SwitchedYou Have Ten Seconds To Edit Your Facebook Comment. Get Cracking! originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commentsfacebooklifehackerSocialNetworkingtechtipstipstopwebFri, 18 Mar 2011 17:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook or Porn? For Brits, Sharing and Poking Beats Staring and Pounding]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/18/facebook-or-porn-for-brits-sharing-and-poking-beats-staring-an/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/18/facebook-or-porn-for-brits-sharing-and-poking-beats-staring-an/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/18/facebook-or-porn-for-brits-sharing-and-poking-beats-staring-an/#commentsWell, it's happened, Facebook has gone and destroyed all that is holy about the Internet. A study released this week by Experian Hitwise found that for the first time, traffic to social networking sites has edged out that to "entertainment" (bam chicka wah wah) sites. Before you pour one on the curb, it's worth noting the study only looked at U.K. users. And we all know that they have some issues with the naughty bits.

SwitchedFacebook or Porn? For Brits, Sharing and Poking Beats Staring and Pounding originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adultanalyticsfacebookInternetpornrankingSocialNetworkingTrafficxxxFri, 18 Mar 2011 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook Wedding Photos Lead to Polygamy Arrest for Michigan Man]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/18/facebook-wedding-photos-get-richard-leon-barton-arrested-polygamy/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/18/facebook-wedding-photos-get-richard-leon-barton-arrested-polygamy/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/18/facebook-wedding-photos-get-richard-leon-barton-arrested-polygamy/#commentsPolice in Michigan have arrested a man on charges of polygamy after discovering some incriminating wedding photos on Facebook.

In 2004, 34-year-old Richard Leon Barton, Jr. reportedly married a Rhode Island woman, whom he'd met online. Not long after their wedding, Barton mysteriously de-friended his new bride on Facebook, and soon vanished from her life altogether. Though the two had discussed getting a divorce prior to his disappearance, neither Barton nor his wife ever filed the requisite paperwork.

Continue reading Facebook Wedding Photos Lead to Polygamy Arrest for Michigan Man

SwitchedFacebook Wedding Photos Lead to Polygamy Arrest for Michigan Man originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrestbigamistcrimefacebookmichiganphotospolicepolygamyrichard leon bartonRichardLeonBartonSocialNetworkingtopWebweddingFri, 18 Mar 2011 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Microsoft More Ethical Than Google, Facebook or Apple]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/18/report-microsoft-more-ethical-than-google-facebook-or-apple/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/18/report-microsoft-more-ethical-than-google-facebook-or-apple/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/18/report-microsoft-more-ethical-than-google-facebook-or-apple/#commentsMicrosoft may not be worth as much money as Apple, but according to a new think-tank report, it's way more ethically sound. This year, the corporation earned a spot on Ethisphere's list of the 'World's Most Ethical Companies,' beating out Apple, Facebook, and Google. It's certainly a far cry from the late '90s, when Microsoft faced antitrust trials and accusations of corporate tyranny. But the company's "corporate citizenship" campaign may have done a lot to change its image.

SwitchedReport: Microsoft More Ethical Than Google, Facebook or Apple originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ApplebusinesscompaniesethicsfacebookgooglemicrosofttopFri, 18 Mar 2011 09:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Taliban Uses Texts as Latest Intimidation Move]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/18/taliban-uses-texts-as-latest-intimidation-move/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/18/taliban-uses-texts-as-latest-intimidation-move/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/18/taliban-uses-texts-as-latest-intimidation-move/#comments islamic state of afghanistan facebook page The Taliban has begun sending gruesome "night letters" -- violent videos meant to intimidate and control Afghans -- en masse via SMS. Historically written threats posted on buildings, night letters have long been a successful means of coercion by the Taliban. The video form has cropped up in the last couple of years on Facebook and YouTube, and tends toward the extreme, such as interviews of suicide bombers intercut with their attacks.

In the past years, fundamentalist groups have become increasingly savvy in their use of modern technology and social media. This latest tactic in many ways simply represents a natural evolution. Posts to the Facebook fan pages (such as the one above) are converted to SMS and sent to subscribers, who can easily forward them on. Aside from the chain letter effect, the success of the the mass texting comes in part from the impossibility of controlling such a means of communication.

Continue reading Taliban Uses Texts as Latest Intimidation Move

SwitchedTaliban Uses Texts as Latest Intimidation Move originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>afghanistancellphonesfacebookinsurgencynewsmainnight lettersNightLetterssecuritysmstalibanterrorismterroriststopFri, 18 Mar 2011 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Teen Uses Facebook to Save Mom From Abusive Boyfriend]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/17/teen-uses-facebook-to-save-mom-from-abusive-boyfriend/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/17/teen-uses-facebook-to-save-mom-from-abusive-boyfriend/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/17/teen-uses-facebook-to-save-mom-from-abusive-boyfriend/#commentsA 15-year-old boy in Minnesota recently rescued his mother from her abusive boyfriend, not with a call to 911, but with a timely Facebook post.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Ramsey County District Court, 33-year-old Kelly Heinl went out with some of her friends on Thursday night, but was soon tracked down by her boyfriend, 31-year-old Reggie LeAndrew Hart. Hart allegedly forced her to come home, where he proceeded to push her and pull out her hair. When her teenage son walked in on the scene, Heinl urged him to call the police, but Hart had already confiscated their cell phones.

Continue reading Teen Uses Facebook to Save Mom From Abusive Boyfriend

SwitchedTeen Uses Facebook to Save Mom From Abusive Boyfriend originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911abuseboyfriendfacebookminnesotapoliceSocialNetworkingStatusteenstopWebThu, 17 Mar 2011 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Striking Detroit Symphony Musicians Take Fight to Facebook]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/17/striking-detroit-symphony-musicians-take-fight-to-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/17/striking-detroit-symphony-musicians-take-fight-to-facebook/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/17/striking-detroit-symphony-musicians-take-fight-to-facebook/#comments detroit symphony orchestra page Musicians at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra have been on strike for months now and, unsurprisingly, fans have opinions on it. It's also no surprise (to everyone but the management) that much of the argument has been taken to the official Facebook page with people in positions of power stooping to bait that they shouldn't.

Earlier this year, for example, management set off a firestorm of comments when someone pointed out that the bulk of the members from the Save Our Symphony group had never donated to the orchestra.

Continue reading Striking Detroit Symphony Musicians Take Fight to Facebook

SwitchedStriking Detroit Symphony Musicians Take Fight to Facebook originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Detroitdetroit symphony orchestraDetroitSymphonyOrchestradramafacebooknewsmainSocialNetworkingsymphonytopThu, 17 Mar 2011 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Over 200,000 Partygoers RSVP to Facebook Sweet 16]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/16/200000-partygoers-rsvp-facebook-sweet-16/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/16/200000-partygoers-rsvp-facebook-sweet-16/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/16/200000-partygoers-rsvp-facebook-sweet-16/#comments Facebook Sweet 16 Posting an event on Facebook used to be a quick and convenient way to let your friends know where a party was, or when your band was performing. Now it's becoming a good way to hand your home address over to thousands of anonymous strangers. An Australian girl joined an exclusive league of Facebook event planners who saw thousands of revelers RSVP to their low-key parties. The girl sent the invite to friends, announcing that it would be an open house party "as long as it doesn't get out of hand." But within 24 hours of posting the event, it had clearly gotten out of hand -- with over 200,000 people responding that they would be attending.

It turns out that a 17-year-old boy had hijacked the event page and sent it to well over 200,000 people, revealing the girl's home address to untold thousands of strangers. The boy has been charged by police and, sadly, the party has been canceled. Hopefully it's not too late to get a refund on our plane tickets...

SwitchedOver 200,000 Partygoers RSVP to Facebook Sweet 16 originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiafacebookpartyprivacysocial networkingSocialNetworkingtopWed, 16 Mar 2011 17:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Beware Scammers Offering Shares in Facebook, Government Warns]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/16/beware-facebook-scammers-offering-shares/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/16/beware-facebook-scammers-offering-shares/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/16/beware-facebook-scammers-offering-shares/#commentsfacebook loginFacebook has yet to go public, and it's still unclear whether it even will. But that hasn't stopped some con artists from using the specter of a Facebook IPO to rip off gullible investors.

The scams are popping up, in various forms, across YouTube and the blogosphere. But they all follow the same general formula: visitors are offered the chance to invest in Facebook and other social media companies before they go public by giving some of their cash to rogue companies. While some pre-IPO offerings may be legitimate, the U.S. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is urging investors to exercise caution.

Continue reading Beware Scammers Offering Shares in Facebook, Government Warns

SwitchedBeware Scammers Offering Shares in Facebook, Government Warns originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>con artistsConArtistsfacebookFacebook IPOFacebookIpoInvestmentmoneyscamsecuritySocialNetworkingtopwebWed, 16 Mar 2011 15:45:00 EST