This is a topic that was touched on by CT Out and About Publisher Ed Bartlett during our editorial meeting at Ashley’s Ice Cream, and again by Yale Rugby Coach John Broker during our most recent gathering at the New England Brewing Company.
Everyone seemed to agree on one important fact: that while we’ve been quick to embrace online social networking tools like Facebook and Twitter, many of us haven’t taken the time to stop and consider the consequences of the information we’re sharing.
How much information about yourself do you think you should share online?
Ed Bartlett says
Reality is this: Most people do not realize the ramifications of posting on Social Media. It’s not like making an offhand remark in a coffee shop “back in the day”. Everything, and I do mean EVERYTHING is “saved”.
Most people’s only presence on Google is from their Facebook account. So, what’s the big deal? Most employment agencies know this, and coupled with the fact that people either do not know how to edit their settings, or Facebook makes yet another change to your privacy settings without you knowing, your profile is pretty much available.
Don’t believe me? Google yourself. Do a search by your Facebook name and your state. This is why I have removed all the pictures of me in either a dress or dancing on the bar. I think….
Bruce says
SO true, Ed – it’s like everything you say at a cocktail party is being recorded and saved. (Now THAT would be a website!)
Holly Adam says
I am constantly amazed, especially my under-thirty friends, by the photos of themselves (scantily clad, cocktails in hand) posted for all to see. Even more shocking is that many of these folks are looking for work. Do they really not get that potential employers are looking? They surely google new people that they meet to find out more, but have they taken Ed’s advice and googled themselves? I doubt it.
I made a comment on one of these friend’s photos, and was called out for being hurtful….when in fact I was trying to protect her!
When I google myself, the first thing that comes up is my wedding announcement-and that has been over for years. But doubt it would stop someone from employing me. I say “Tread Carefully”. If you wouldn’t want your mother, not to mention your boss, to see it, don’t post it (and I am not referring to a little yellow sticky-note).
SB Chatterjee says
”You Have Zero Privacy Anyway. Get Over It” ~~ Scott McNealy (CEO – Sun Microsystems, 1999).
“People want full ownership and control of their information so they can turn off access to it at any time. At the same time, people also want to be able to bring the information others have shared with them to other services and grant those services access to those people’s information. These two positions are at odds with each other.” ~~ Mark Zuckerberg (CEO Facebook, 2009).
Companies will use people’s preferences, tastes or any other information to improve their marketing effectiveness and increase sales. It will also help pay Radio & TV advertisement & sponsorship costs..
“There’s no such thing as free coffee, free lunch, free dinner nor free beer” ~~ SB.