This article discusses some of the potential side effects of the social media revolution, where people join social networking sites and share personal information more freely than in the past.
So, which kinds of information do you consider “safe” or “unsafe” to share online?
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Know someone with something to say about sharing info online?
Send this link to them: http://humancensus.com/2007/07/08/day-15-question/
Safe
Thoughts on politics, business, education, hobbies, etc.
Sites that allow you to limit your profile to your friends
Blogging about educational/professional topics
Sites that responsibly monitor content & comments
Photos (excluding of kids or personal residence)
Details about attending an event (after it has ended)
Unsafe
Information about minors
Details of personal habits
Mentioning individuals in a way that could be misconstrued
Blogging about proprietary client info or internal situations
“Therablogging”, when you’re upset about something
Overly personal/emotional information
Unresolved legal matters or arguments
Personal/private info you wouldn’t give a stranger
Your regular schedule or travel itinerary
Data that compromises safety or reputation
Hmmm…this is a pretty deep question. It depends I guess…nothing don’t give them any info!
In my blog, I have given pseudonyms to most people and places, so I cannot be googled by people who know me. So I could be considered a bit overly paranoid about this issue. But I’m not really. In personal contact though (emails, messengers etc) I treat them like any strangers – until I really get to know people, I don’t give out anything identifying. The same as you would in any public place meeting people in the early stages of getting to know them.
This is a great question that I don’t feel totally informed about answering. I’m probably a little naive about information that I share. Big “no-no’s” for me are personal ID (except email, sometimes cell), detailed information about my family (yes, I have one), and account #s (duh!). My blog is for my business and contains information about getting a hold of me. Regarding my blog, I do talk about client experiences but leave names and specific details out.