Gullible's travails

gul·li·ble

/ˈɡələb(ə)l/

adjective

easily persuaded to believe something

Every few months or so, Facebook newsfeeds are clogged with users posting the copyright warning that Facebook cannot use their photos, content, and so on.

Sheeple, please. Think--when you signed up for Facebook you agreed to their TOS (terms of service). If you don't remember what it said, go back and read it. Here. I'll save you time and post the link: Statement of Rights and Responsibilities

If you do not agree to their TOS, then delete your account. If you use the service you agree to their TOS. Simple. But note that the Facebook statement spells out Facebook does not own your content already.

Facebook User sees a cute little box in his newsfeed. Thinks "Those bastards! I'll show them! I'll post this privacy notice myself!"

Facebook User shares the notice on his page, others see it in the newsfeed and, like sheeple, follow suit.

Facebook user did not stop to think (the hallmark of a sheeple) "Hm. Could this be true? Is this true? Maybe I should check." No maybe about it, Facebook users should check. And since you are already on Facebook why not go check out their TOS and refresh yourself on what it actually says? A little primary research is so easy...

Links to mainstream article regarding the Facebook copyright notice:

Facebook Copyright Hoax Goes Viral Again  (ABC News)

Hoax! Don't copy and paste that "Copyright" Facebook message (USA Today)


Blog posts © copyrighted 2015 Julie Patrick Clark