Alternatives to Facebook

I’ve mentioned in the past that my alma mater, McGill University, does not allow its professors to use Facebook as a learning platform. The University believes that students who are worried about Facebook’s ever-evolving privacy policy should not be forced to joined the social network.

Facebook’s slippery stance on privacy is raising concerns among many. Facebook’s competitors say alternatives exist. This New York Times article presents a number of social networks that are ready and willing to accept disgruntled Facebook members. The list includes:

• Pip.io
• Appleseed
• Diaspora
• OneSocialWeb
• Crabgrass
• Elgg

You’re not likely to reconnect with your high school sweetheart on these sites since they do not have the hundreds of millions of users Facebook has. But, many of these technologies can provide the infrastructure needed for organizations interested in adding social networking to their learning and development strategies.  (RN)

Rivals Seize on Troubles of Facebook | The New York Times | Jenna Wortham | 23 May 2010

Tagged as: Privacy, Social Networking