GeekSugar

Are Facebook Photos Fair Game For Insurance Companies?

GeekSugar — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:44:58 -0800

I just came across a story about a woman in Canada who lost insurance benefits because of a photo posted on Facebook. The woman was on medical leave from her job due to severe depression, and was receiving monthly disability payments from an insurance company. After she stopped receiving payments, she called her insurance company, who told her that she should be available to work because of photos she posted on Facebook that showed her looking happy and having a good time - hardly experiencing the crippling depression that kept her from going to work.

After the case started making headlines, the woman's insurance company issued a statement saying they would not terminate a policy based solely on something posted on Facebook; it remains to be seen whether or not the woman in question will be allowed to once again receive benefits.

I've heard countless stories of people being fired or getting into serious trouble for things they posted on Facebook, and even came up with a list of suggestions for how not to get in trouble on the site, but this case seems a bit extreme. What do you think?

Are You Facebook Friends With Your Exes?

GeekSugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:44:00 -0800

An essay in this week's New York Times hit close to home. The author, mourning the breakup of a long-term relationship, used Facebook to keep up with what his ex was doing. I've covered this topic before in Tech Dating 101 posts; from using Facebook to get to know a potential date to how and when to change your relationship status. I've even offered my advice for how to cut an ex out of your digital life. He was pretty distraught over the breakup, but still couldn't resist the occasional peek at her page:

"Every once in a while, when I was feeling particularly pathetic, I would log on to her Facebook page and listlessly click through the photos of a life that was, somewhat disappointingly, continuing without me."

While I still feel it's best to avoid an ex on Facebook, especially after a tough breakup, actually pulling the trigger to delete an ex from your list of friends is tough.

Unfriend: The New American Dictionary's Word of the Year

GeekSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:46:25 -0800

The New Oxford American Dictionary just released its annual Word of the Year and it's unsurprisingly tech-related. This year's honor goes to "unfriend," defined as by the dictionary as, "To remove someone as a 'friend' on a social networking site such as Facebook."

The Word of the Year is chosen from newly created words by researchers based on language trends, popularity, and cultural significance. Some popular geeky words that were up for the honor are no stranger to GeekSugar: "sexting" and "netbook" were also considered, along with "hashtag," referencing the popular Twitter "#" character and "intexticated," the state of distraction one experiences while driving and texting.

I think that "unfriend" is a pretty fitting addition to the dictionary. Plus, its inclusion makes it easy to decide between the terms "defriend" and the newly validated "unfriend."

Become a Fan of BuzzSugar on Facebook!

BuzzSugar — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Watch out world, BuzzSugar is everywhere! Not only can you follow me on Twitter, you can also become a fan of Buzz on Facebook!

I post my favorite stories and biggest news each day to my page, so if you don't have a chance to check in with me on my home page, you can still get your fix in your news feed.

Fan me now!

Become a Fan of FabSugar UK on Facebook

FabSugarUK — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:00:03 -0800

There are so many ways to connect with FabSugar UK these days. As well as checking out the site, you can follow my every move on Twitter and also become a fan on Facebook. This means that I can share some of my favourite stories with you through the fan page and they'll show up in your general news feed – you'll never miss a beat!

Facebook Status Message Proves Teen's Innocence

GeekSugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:43:52 -0800

While some may consider frivolous Facebook status updates annoying, there's definitely one New York City teen who probably doesn't agree. He was recently arrested and charged with robbery, but charges were dropped once he was able to prove his alibi - via a Facebook status message. The teen claimed he was miles from the scene of the crime as it happened, but no one could corroborate the story. . .until his lawyer mentioned the Facebook status update, posted at the time of the robbery.

The district attorney subpoenaed Facebook to verify the computer's location at the time of the status update. When his IP address was revealed proving he was indeed miles away, the charges were dropped. With the increasing popularity of sharing (and oversharing) on social networking sites, I imagine we'll be hearing more and more stories like this. According to the article:

"'This is the first case that I’m aware of in which a Facebook update has been used as alibi evidence,' said John G. Browning, a lawyer in Dallas who studies social networking and the law. 'We are going to see more of that because of how prevalent social networking has become.'"

To keep reading my thoughts about this story, just read more.

So, add "proof of innocence" to the list of things Facebook can do for you. Though I can't help but be reminded of this story from a few months ago, when a Facebook poke landed a woman in jail. And how many times have we heard of a cheating spouse or partner getting busted via Facebook? It's about time someone's Facebook use proves their innocence!

Have You Spent Money on Virtual Goods?

GeekSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:07:31 -0800

I recently read an article about the increase in spending on virtual goods and gifts. According to the piece, analysts estimate that this kind of virtual spending could bring in $1 billion this year in the US alone - and nearly $5 billion worldwide.

From Facebook apps like the popular FarmVille - which allows players to run their own virtual farms - to competitive games like Sorority Life - where players have to dress a group of college sorority sisters to compete with rival sororities - the article explains that players are likely to buy items to improve their performance in the game or to build up a collection of goods that will impress friends.

I love sending free virtual goodies to friends on their birthdays or for other special events, but I'm not sure how much cash I would regularly drop on intangible items. What do you think? Do you spend money on virtual gifts or other goods?

Are Facebook and Twitter Making People More Narcissistic?

TresSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0800

I love my Twitter and Facebook as much as the next gal, but there might be some truth to this Venn Diagram.

Perhaps our inner self-promoters and oversharers would have found another way to self-promote and overshare, but these social media platforms sure have made it easy for everyone to get up-to-the-minute updates on how we're feeling and what we're doing - whether they like it or not!

Source

Daily Tech: Sprint's Samsung Moment Lands in Stores Today

GeekSugar — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:14:40 -0800

Sprint has just introduced another Android handset, the Samsung Moment, which goes on sale today for $170 after mail-in rebates - Engadget
Facebook spammer, Sanford Wallace, has been ordered to pay $711 million in damages to Facebook - CNN Money
Texting and driving has now been banned in New York state - MobileCrunch
This Greasemonkey script will help you remove the clutter from your Gmail - Lifehacker
Gizmodo gets their hands on the BlackBerry Storm2 - Gizmodo
It's giveaway time on GeekSugar! Log in for your chances to win one of these AT&T Smartphones - GeekSugar

Daily Tech: What You Need to Know About Windows 7

GeekSugar — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:21:37 -0700

The Giz team has whipped up a Best Of list for Windows 7 - Gizmodo
Facebook has just launched a new hub called "Peace on Facebook" - CNET
Netflix is already testing streaming on the Nintendo Wii - Engadget
Jerry Seinfeld, who was featured in Microsoft ads, has been spotted with a Mac! - CrunchGear
Google is starting to block some calls which use Google Voice to satisfy the FCC - The Washington Post
It's giveaway time on GeekSugar! Log in for your chances to win one of these AT&T Smartphones - GeekSugar