Facebook, once a private forum for college students, is becoming an increasingly public space and professors are joining the community. The St. John’s Torch examined how the growing use of Facebook by college professors has impacted student networking, for better and for worse. Some professors said Facebook has allowed them to build close mentoring relationships with students and to stay in touch with students, both during the semester and after graduation. Yet both professors and students acknowledge the potential dangers that could arise from students and professors sharing the same social forum. As a relatively new forum, there are few standards for behavior on Facebook, leaving professors conflicted about how to respond to pictures of underage drinking, among other issues. Some students also worried that faculty may find groups and postings that do not present them in the most positive light.

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