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Social media and, in particular, social networking sites such as FacebookTM have been synonymous with social communication and connection outside of the classroom (Roblyer, McDaniel, Webb, Herman & Witty, 2010; Yum, 2007). Indeed, FacebookTM is well integrated into students’ personal lives and is viewed as a satisfying, convenient and familiar technology (Ractham & Kaewkitipong, 2012). It is not surprising then that students have been using FacebookTM informally to supplement their learning by sharing logistical (e.g., time of classes, assignment details) and intellectual information (e.g., discussions, collaboration and idea sharing) (Bosch, 2009; Madge, Meek, Wellens & Hooley, 2009; Ractham & Kaewkitipong, 2012; Selwyn, 2009). Recently, this informal use has been complemented by formal use within the classroom (Bosch, 2009; Ractham & Kaewkitipong, 2012; Roblyer et al., 2010). Results of this integration are limited but they suggest many positive outcomes including enhancing social connections among students (e.g., connecting younger and older students, promoting collaboration in the classroom and peer support) (Arnold & Paulus, 2010; Bosch, 2009; Selwyn 2009), increasing participation and motivation (e.g., asking questions, offering input into class material in advance; Bosch, 2009; Mazer, Murphy & Simonds, 2007), as well as enhancing language instruction (e.g., Blattner & Fioro, 2009). Although FacebookTM may offer the potential to augment classroom instruction, risks associated with over-disclosure of personal information and failure to protect disclosed information by using appropriate privacy settings are cause for concern (Acoca, 2008; Gross & Acquisti, 2005; Nosko, Wood & Molema, 2010). Potential risks inherent in the integration of social media in educational settings include cyberbullying, deliberate embarrassment and/or harassment, liability issues related to information sharing and threats to academic integrity (i.e., cheating on tests/exams/assignments and plagiarism) (Feinberg & Robey, 2008; King, 2002; Kiriakidis & Kavoura, 2010; Nixon, 2004).
Unfortunately, a disconnect exists between reported need for privacy online and disclosure behaviors (Debatin, Lovejoy, Horn & Hughes, 2009; Lui, Gummadi, Krishnamurthy & Mislove, 2011). Specifically, although individuals indicate that they want to exert control and maintain personal privacy, they not only share highly sensitive and personal material online but also fail to employ available protective features (Gross & Acquisti, 2005; Nosko et al., 2010). This disconnect may be a product of limitations in users knowledge about privacy settings and how to employ them and/or frustration with ever-changing features of social networking platforms (Hoadley, Xu, Lee & Rosson, 2010).