Facebook Rules and Regulations about Names and Titles.

What do you think?

I think it is interesting the recent debate over use of professional titles for clergy on Facebook. I have been reading the rules and regulations and was surprised to see how closely one's identity is investigated prior to approval for your Facebook account. Most surprising is the rule prohibiting use of professional titles such "Dr." or "Reverend". Both titles represent a high degree of effort and sacrifice following many years in advanced degree programs. It does seem to be an important question for students engaged in the study of digital literacy. If you're terrorist, your posts are displayed in order to shock the world---not so with the preacher at the corner church. Not to be outdone by Fox News, CNN also reports on the Facebook name controversy. If you are a drag-queen, your title is acceptable for viewers in Facebook's public forum.  

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg defends the real name policy as part of their safety protocol, “We know that people are much less likely to try to act abusively towards other members of our community when they’re using their real names. ....". Personally, I would not want to be in a position where I must face the decision to accept or not accept a person based on title, profession, race, religion, or political agenda. Recent decisions to remove Facebook postings of beheadings is an atrocity requiring little debate, but what about decisions to accept or reject children under the age of 21 or 18? What about Facebook manifestos published just prior to or following acts of violence. Or, you could be like me and have two different identities. I am Carol A Brown with friends in the community in which I live but just as real is my role as Carol Brown at ECU within the academic community. I wonder if Facebook knows if I'm really two different people?