We hear more every day about the dangers of disclosing too much on an online profile because of it's real world application. The idea of having a secret Internet identity is long gone -- with the booming growth of social networking, an Internet persona is forever linked to real life, whether you like it or not.
So who actually sees your profile (other than your BFF's and that cute guy you met last weekend), and what do they see? More importantly, what does it mean to them?
Generation Y has long been warned against publishing incriminating evidence on the Internet, particularly for hiring reasons. (Check out these 6 career-killing FB mistakes) However, it seems that every privacy concern is swiftly countered with a new privacy setting on some of the most prominent networking sites. Is this so-called "privacy" just giving users a false sense of security?
Beyond worrying about a future employer finding that less-than-professional picture, let alone parents for younger users, other types of companies are now intruding on this new found portal for self-expression.
According to recent news, now you need to watch out for your banker.
That's right, soon that compromising Myspace comment could strip you of a good loan.
Is this fair? It may not be fair... but it is ethical. The Internet is a public space, and we should all know that by now. Yes, certain sites create a facade, leading users to believe that by simply making a profile "friends only," they are safe; but that is only to a certain extent. Those sites do not guarantee that big companies won't find a way around it. It is the user's obligation to filter what is shared.
...so hold off on that picture of you shotgunning your beer from last month's Vegas trip and you'll be fine.
More on big business use for other online purposes later!
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