Do I have to join facebook?

[lampard]

Our lecturer started a facebook group for our class.

I honestly don't like facebook because I'm a private person, and I don't like putting pics of myself on the internet and don't like people looking up my profile etc.

I also find that it's going to be very distracting.

I don't see any good in this, but my lecturer is pressuring us to join the group and ask questions & answer other students' questions...

At the moment, I'm doing well in the course and I DON'T NEED help from facebookers, I know that they're probably going to ask stupid questions that you find on blackboard or the book.

We have about 110 people in our class, and already 60 people have joined.

Are they going to think that I'm weird if I don't have facebook?

I'm sure the numbers will keep increasing as tests creep closer

Also, I'm scared because my classmates could become my colleagues in the future, and I don't want to give too much info about myself.

Once I join the facebook group, I'm sure people will start adding me. and they're probably think I'm weird if I refuse to add them...

er.. any tips guys?

[ButterflyRN90, ASN, RN]

You could create one and not post anything? Keep things private and just use it for school.

[SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN]

I don't have a facebook. I actually quit while I was in college for the exact reasons you describe. I'm a millennial and I do stand out for not having a facebook/twitter/instagram/whatever else is out there nowadays account, but I also value my privacy.

If people think you're weird for not having a facebook, I'd say that's their problem.

[Emergent, RN]

Yes, you must. Surrender to the inevitable. You are getting sleepy. Relax and trust your Facebook overseers. They are there for you. They cradle you in their safe arms, you must obey, you will obey...

[kp1987]

I really question why your lecturer would use Facebook- do you not have an online platform like blackboard that they can post information on?

I wouldn't like having to get Facebook either.

[SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN]

You could create one and not post anything? Keep things private and just use it for school.

To take this on a tangent, you could create an account using a false name or an adaptation of your real name. That way you could be accepted to the group, but no one else would be looking for you.

[lampard]

We do use blackboard but I don't know why the lecturer wants to use "facebook" for discussion.

She did remind us to be 'professional' on facebook because employers check it.. lol

and according to her, 2 students got kicked out of the course because they posted inappropriate pictures of themselves.

It's scary and I don't want to mess up doing this stuff.

I had facebook when I was 19, but I'm 26 now and I feel that it's a waste of time.

I keep in touch with my high school friends via skype anyway.

[kp1987]

If it was me I would probably bring it to administration or the dean as I don't think it's appropriate to use social media as a teaching method or tool, but that's just me.

[shan409, ASN, BSN, LPN, RN]

I know a woman that uses FB strickly for connecting with other moms that home school their children. My aunt (RN) uses it to keep up with her family out of town.

You don't have to do anything you don't want to do, but you don't have to post anything either. You don't have to add a profile pic, hell any pictures, or any posts outside of the group. If you do decide to join just tell your classmates "I didn't have a FB before now, I am only joining for this class, so do not take it personal if I don't accept your friend request". Plain and simple.

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

We do use blackboard but I don't know why the lecturer wants to use "facebook" for discussion.

She did remind us to be 'professional' on facebook because employers check it.. lol

and according to her, 2 students got kicked out of the course because they posted inappropriate pictures of themselves.

It's scary and I don't want to mess up doing this stuff.

I had facebook when I was 19, but I'm 26 now and I feel that it's a waste of time.

I keep in touch with my high school friends via skype anyway.

Well with such an awareness of the pros and cons of Facebook, I really don't see you posting inappropriate pictures. If you do decide to join, make sure you tell people that you friend not to tag you in pics

[NurseGirl525, ASN, RN]

I honestly wouldn't. Now that Facebook can recognize your face in a picture and automatically tag you, I would not do it. Let me say, I do have a Facebook page but nothing is connected with my school. Nothing. I would never do it. If your instructor has an issue with it, I would go above her. Too much can happen. I am in the process of just weeding my Facebook down to just family and I have made everything private. I do not need the risk.

[jena5111, ASN, RN]

My nursing school cohort has a Facebook page that's a private group; it was started by a student, not an instructor. It's a place where my classmates can post reminders, recruit practice partners for open lab, etc. Luckily, it has never turned into a receptacle for complaints or drama.

That being said, I recently deleted my Facebook account. I am also an extremely private person, so I've never felt too comfortable with the idea of growing or curating an online presence. I joined a few years ago to see what I was missing--and I can say: not all that much. Anything I need to know about school I get from Blackboard, going to class, or talking with my classmates in person/via text message.

Do what's right for you, OP. I am surprised that an instructor would sponsor a forum not directly affiliated with the school. It seems risky for that instructor to mix social media with grading authority, program rules/regulations, etc. It doesn't seem right that Facebook would be a requirement for participating in school-related discussions.