Since I already have another Facebook account, I did not have to open another one. However, I vividly remember the steps I used when opening my first account. When creating a facebook account, the first step will be using the search engines to identify the Facebook page. After reaching the page, there was prompt about whether I intended to join Facebook (Facebook Help Center, 2018). As such, I got directions to proceed to the next level. The instructions assured me that the account creation would involve a few easy steps. After that information, I clicked on the next page.
In this next step, there was a prompt about my first and last names. I filled the data in provided spaces and proceeded to the birthday clarification step. I scrolled until I reached the matching date, month and year and moved to the next phase of identifying my gender (Facebook Help Center, 2018). I later entered my phone number and country, after which I selected a secure password. After that step, the process required that I incorporate my email in the account opening procedure. I agreed to the instructions and proceeded to the last stage.
In this stage, the rules stated that signing up implied an agreement to Facebook’s terms and conditions. It also required me to evaluate the data policy including the use of cookies. I also learned that I would be receiving SMS notifications from Facebook, but it would be optional. Also, information from my address book would be continuously uploaded to assist me in finding friends faster. Facebook also informed me of their ability to manage or delete contact data shared on the platform. However, it was possible to turn the feature off by visiting the settings segment. The information about my contracts is useful in enhancing the organization's service provision. With these steps, my sign up process was almost complete.
The Issues I Encountered
Opening a Facebook account is a simple and straightforward process. However, it has some challenges, especially for the first time users. During the opening process, I did not know whether to use all my official names or incorporate a nickname. However, I tried the nicknames first, and the account could not open due to privacy concerns. I had to change the names to the ones I mostly use to make the opening process easier (Facebook Help Center, 2018). When the account became operational, I had a challenge posting on people’s timeline. Therefore, I would mostly put their messages as status updates rather than sending them directly to their inboxes or timelines. After reading the comments, I would realize that I had posted on the wrong platform. Another challenging area was that of finding friends. Rather than using the search option, I would write the names on my timeline as well. I later came learned that there were various steps to undertake when conducting multiple activities.
Using a Facebook account also comes with challenges including bumping into fake profiles which might result in interaction with strangers. It also keeps friends list visible to the public, making it easier for stalkers to gather more information about the user (Kosinski et al., 2015). Another problem is that I can be addictive and lead to wastage of valuable time for other activities. I also encountered challenges when installing messenger because Facebook was making it impossible to receive inbox messages from individuals on my friends’ list. Additionally, it does not automatically connect. Thus, I had to download it from the Google play store. However, I managed to incorporate it into my Facebook eventually.
Private Settings on Facebook Account
The Facebook account has various settings which enhance a person’s privacy when online. My settings included timeline and tagging which allowed me to determine the information I wanted others to post. It also enabled me to review tags from other users before they could pop on my timeline, this aspect was useful in ensuring that I did not appear in posts that seemed inappropriate for public viewing. Another setting was that of identifying the people who could see my posts (Facebook Help Center, 2018). I selected friends because I did not want the public to invade my privacy. I also changed my settings to allow only friends of friends to send me friend requests on Facebook. As such, I would receive friend offers from individuals close to me.
The Facebook account also has the option of blocking individuals who become a nuisance to the user. I used it to ensure that I maintain only friends who post respectful content. In adjusting the privacy settings, I would tap and scroll to the bottom, then proceed to account settings and select the privacy option (Facebook Help Center, 2018). I would then click on the settings to adjust the audience. This feature made it possible to change areas that were not fit for the public. When posting my pictures, I always confirm that my audience is friends only. As such, my preferred audience will see them and post their comments.
How My Facebook Account May be Useful in Future
With the increase in technology and networking, I believe that my account will go beyond just entertainment and making friendships in future. The most important thing is that I will meet new people and increase my social circle and networking skills. Since I intend to venture into business in future, this account will enable me to create a rand at both the local and global level. By making group chats with clients, it will be easier to identify their tastes and preferences and ensure that I provide quality services. By using Facebook to advertise, I will meet new people based on their locations, gender, age, and interests. It will also help in motoring how well the advertisements are performing in the market (Glover, 2018). The account also offers opportunities to advertise in six areas including audience network, instant articles, Instagram, mobile news fee as well as the desktop news feed. These platforms will make it possible to reach a broad client base.
Another way I intend to utilize my Facebook account in future is giving back to the society by freely educating young people about the importance of avoiding drug abuse. I have observed that most young individuals indulge in this vice due to various reasons, but they find quitting hard (Glover, 2018). With my Facebook page, I will be able to sensitize the youngsters on the need to stay a positive life without necessarily engaging in substance abuse. I will also help the addicted ones to join rehabilitation centers to make their lives better. With the right use, Facebook can be a highly beneficial and educative tool.
References
Facebook Help Center. (2018). How do I create a Facebook account? | Facebook Help Centre | Facebook. Web.facebook.com. Retrieved 6 March 2018, from https://web.facebook.com/help/188157731232424?helpref=topq"_rdc=1"_rdr
Glover, E. (2018). Facebook Advertising – Advantages " Disadvantages | Hallam Internet. Hallam Internet Ltd. Retrieved 6 March 2018, from https://www.hallaminternet.com/facebook-advertising-advantages-disadvantages/
Kosinski, M., Matz, S. C., Gosling, S. D., Popov, V., " Stillwell, D. (2015). Facebook as a research tool for the social sciences: Opportunities, challenges, ethical considerations, and practical guidelines. American Psychologist, 70(6), 543.
