Social Media

Has social media gone too far?  USA Today reports on couples updating their Facebook status right after saying "I do".  They want to make it Facebook official.  And guests pull out their phones and "like" the change in status. Everything from invitations to gift registries are online now.  Some couples say it makes planning easier, it's a way to communicate with members of the wedding party and easier to share the news with a wide network of friends.  Read more about the trend here .

Have you heard about the Stop Kony campaign?  It's all over Facebook this week.  My kids wanted to talk to me about it. It's a video about a violent Ugandan leader who kidnaps kids and turns them into fighters. The video hopes to draw world wide attention to Kony in an effort to stop him and bring him to justice. But there are concerns from some about using social media to raise awareness. The Washington Post looks at the back story read it here and see what you think.

Wow...it's been quite a few days for everybody in Kansas, including Eyewitness News. The unprecidented snowstorms have stretched us to the limit. Hours of continuous coverage, extra newscasts, dealing with cold, wind and snow. We pride ourselves here on responding to such a challenge, but afterwards we all want to take a deep breath. Thanks to the reporters and photographers who spent so much time outside in the elements. We also must thank the thousands of viewers who interacted with us on social media and sent in storm shots.

A 28-year-old Wichita man was arrested for impersonating an officer on his Facebook page. Police say he claimed to be a Wichita officer under the occupation section of his page. He was reported after police say he made derogatory comments on-line.  When police investigated they quickly learned the man was not an officer. Police Lt. Doug Nolte says it's illegal to impersonate an officer, even on social media.

Dodge City police say they've seen a big increase in burglaries in recent months. Police say they've responded to 52 burglaries at home, business and vehicles in November alone. That's a 60% increase since the same month in 2011. Police remind homeowners to lock their doors and when they go out of town for the holidays, not to post that they'll be gone on social media including Facebook and Twitter.  

One of the first things Jeff Freund did when he moved into his position as principal at Coleman Middle School, was create a Facebook page for his school. "We recently posted a picture of one teacher teaching.  And, a parent commented on how great that teacher was.  It was a good little boost in morale,” Freund said. The school's page is the only Facebook interaction Freund really "likes" when it comes to teacher involvement. "I encourage them to not necessarily be friends with current students on Facebook.  I think there's too great of a chance that something can get misinterpreted,” Freund said.

The Garden City Police department is working with the school district after a report of threats found on social media. School resource officers at Horace J. Good Middle School notified authorities after noticing the post Wednesday. Police said the post contained vague threats towards the school. Certain students were also allegedly bully the poster. Classes remain in session while police and officials from U.S.D. 457 investigate. No arrests have been made.

The government keeps slashing funds, now one local non-profit turns to social media to fight back. Wichita's Youthville is trying a new way of fundraising. They need your help and you don't have to spend a dime. Marquell Woods grew up in the foster system and now works for Youthville, the very agency that helped him legally adopt his sister when he aged out. "I recruit foster homes and increase awareness about kids that are in foster care," Woods said. The non-profit group has seen its share of hard times and funding cuts.

A new edition of "America's Next Top Model," created and hosted by Tyra Banks, returns with new partners, new talent and a new judge - the viewer. The women will battle it out to earn the prestigious title of "America's Next Top Model" and compete for a career-launching prize package that includes new partners Smashbox Cosmetics, Nine West and Nylon Magazine. The winner will receive prizes including: a fashion feature in Nylon Magazine, as well as $100,000 cash and campaigns with Nine West and Smashbox Cosmetics, in addition to a modeling contract with LA/NY Models and being named the face of "America's Next Top Model" perfume Dream Come True.

When it comes to social media, just about everyone has a Facebook profile.  The same can be said about a camera on every cell phone.  So that means pictures can be uploaded to Facebook within minutes of them being taken. The social networking website is hailed by many professional photographers as a great way to promote their business. While their photographs look great, some people may not like the idea of their pictures showing up on the internet so easily. If someone takes a picture of you and you don't want it going online, what are your rights?