Social media: Facebook; Twitter; Instagram; Pinterest; and so many more websites lure you into providing copious amounts of personal information. It's not just social media, but even blogs like this one you are reading provide information about the author. From what I write, others are able to gather information as to who I am, and what my views are on certain subjects. This can work to both your advantage and your disadvantage. By making a strong base with nothing to shy away from, social media can be your way to fortune-gaining jobs and opportunities to meet new people and gaining connections. However, it is easy to do the exact opposite. Posting pictures of yourself from a party, or updating your status with an obvious blackmail directed to a company can damage your reputation completely. Just one small mishap, one mishap that cannot be erased for the rest of eternity, can snap the bridge between you, and your next opportunity.
Does it concern me? Of course it does. I'm sure that no one can be absolutely certain that the information posted on their social media profiles cannot offend someone, or be put to use against you. The possibility of people finding you through a simple Google search and uncovering so much more about you that is needed to know concerns the living death of me. Is there something that others should not see? Is this decent for my boss to see, or someone I respect? It is so easy to uncover and "stalk" someone using a simple Google search. For example on Facebook, just looking at previous status updates or pictures tagged of you can show the side of you not seen at school or work. That devious side, or perhaps, a modest side, that some do not know about. This can work to your advantage, but also to your disadvantage.
The idea that others can find out about me through text or graphics causes me to think before I post. Before posting, you must consider the audience that would see what you will post. Is this appropriate?
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Stanley Cup Rioters may face civil lawsuits from businesses
After the infamous riot following Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final in Vancouver, local businesses in Downtown Vancouver are looking to sue the rioters for damages. London Drugs, who suffered $350,000 in damages and $400,000 in looted goods, is planning to sue eight rioters in small claims court. Powell, CEO of London Drugs, realizes that the store has been reimbursed through insurance, but wants to put out the message that you can't take a community hostage. The money that may be won from the lawsuit will be paid back to its insurance company. Currently, many rioters have not been ordered to pay, some only needing to pay a standard $100 charge for "victim surcharge levy." As this surcharge is up to the judge's discretion, only one third of all rioters were forced to pay. Powell believes that his chances are good that he will win the lawsuit, and urges other businesses to join in and sue the rioters, especially if they are already convicted.
This relates to Law 12 as it focuses on civil lawsuits and the small claims court. As we learned in class, the small claims court is used for civil cases that are under $25,000. In small claims court, you do not need someone to represent you, such as a lawyer. By using small claims court, this shows that the damages are under $25,000 and costs will be lower for the rioters who will be the defendants.
Source: The Province
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