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"Features introduced last month include the ability for partner websites such as micro-blogging site Twitter to incorporate Facebook data, a move that would further expand the social network's presence on the internet. Critics said they were worried personal information about Facebook users was available to third-party websites." "When you meet somebody face to face, you can tell a lot from body language and instincts, and you cannot do that when you are dealing with somebody online."

"Social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter have brought together Queenslanders hunting for up-to-the-minute information on the devastating floods afflicting the sunshine state. As Queensland Police work around the clock to keep the public informed on the movement of flood waters, they have also turned to these popular sites to publish updates and combat myths and rumours, as citizens post photos, updates and words of encouragement to one another. Although Queensland is issuing information through its State Disaster Management Service website, some web services have been disrupted with Brisbane City Council's flood flag map unable to cope with the high demand for updates on road closures and evacuations. Advertisement: Story continues below As a consequence, Facebook and Twitter have become a crucial lifeline as Queensland Police publish regular bulletins about the flood waters, warnings of road closures, and evacuation procedures."

"AN ANGRY red dot flashes at the top of your computer screen. As your mouse creeps over it, a message appears: ''Twitter use has exceeded the department average of 58.6 minutes per day - please self-regulate.'' A quick click and a display appears mapping your internet use, including a graph devoted to the social networking sites Facebook and Twitter. It may be Orwellian, but this scene, or some variation, is coming to a workplace near you."

The Stream looks at the debate over freedom vs. safety on the net. Should governments be allowed to cut off social networks or cell service in the interest of public order? Includes video and text.

I find this a little strange, but everything else seems to becoming wifi or connected, why not Barbie. Although there are a lot of social issues here to be thought about.

"Technology is not neutral," said Professor Sahami, who formerly worked at Google as a senior research scientist. "The choices that get made in building technology then have social ramifications."