Concerned about your internet privacy?
I’m not.
A radical (?) statement in today’s climate, where the people are panicking over facebook’s strange ‘privacy’ (or lack of) legalese and people getting fired over making obnoxious comments about their boss on twitter.
I have valid fears for putting my name out on the internets. Which I am not going to share, because that would just be painting a nice big red arrow on my head. It took me a long while the get used to talking to and making friends with people that I know purely through the internet or ‘friending’ acquaintances I barely knew.
This has helped me in a way- I am not worried about someone seeing something they shouldn’t on my facebook status or photos of me drunk cropping up somewhere inappropriate (it helps that only 2 beers are enough to keep me merry, so I do my best to not go beyond that. I also actively hide from cameras).
There are valid things that seriously affect your livelihood that you should be worried about going through the internet: tax numbers, bank account details, credit card information.
What most people are worried about are their personal information in terms of themselves and their relationships and how this is displayed through the internets. What others think: prospective partners, friends, bosses.
If you are worried about that, there is a simple solution. And I am going to (mis)quote the doctor here and say ‘be the best human you can be.’ That is the sole rule for not screwing yourself up on the internet. Or I guess you could use the line ‘don’t be a douche.’
Else, do what I and others do and set certain profiles as secret and private for those you trust. Be choosy. Don’t be afraid to say ‘no’ to any incoming request. Part of establishing a presence on the internets is knowing what your boundaries are and enforcing them. And being clear and professional about it if needed. I have some firm criteria on who can ‘friend’ me on facebook. Tough biscuits if I offend somebody by not acknowledging their request. In contrast, my twitter presence is much more relaxed and open.
Pouring pieces of myself out onto the virtual ethers has been a wonderful way of making new friends and acquaintances. The trick is to know when too much of the wrong kind of thing is being spilled out. And I think with that, we are all learning how to traverse this new virtual world.
Bonus: How to avoid running your mouth off on the internet
