Blog » Social Media and Privacy: Are you putting yourself in a fish bowl?
Social Media and Privacy: Are you putting yourself in a fish bowl?
Do you remember the first time you fell victim to too much information in a social media network? I’m referring to that feeling you get when someone shares personal information you’re not necessarily comfortable receiving – a feeling you’ve invaded someone’s personal privacy simply by being connected to them in a virtual network. It’s become common for people to compromise their own privacy but I often wonder if they even realise they’re doing it.
Social Media circa 1993
I distinctly remember the first time it happened to me. I was on contract to IBM UK in the early ‘90s. Long before Craig’s List, someone developed an intranet application to sell used cars, sporting equipment, baby furniture, books, and anything else you no longer wanted but still held value to other people. It was an instant hit. We all marvelled at connecting with previously unknown co-workers in other locations over common interests not related to work.
Early example of ‘oversharing’
The forum quickly grew in popularity and the listings bulged. Circumventing the jumble sale, it was the first toe any of us put into the e-commerce water, albeit a very primitive model. Once the practice of advertising and selling online became widespread, it didn’t take long before a thread of unease set in. A young mother listed her breast pump. A meek man tried to sell racy novels. Discussion ensued about decorum and posting rules.
Technological Invasion of Privacy
Compared to now, these are mild examples of oversharing. In 1993, a common question was why someone would want to reveal so much about their personal life. In an era where people are ‘sharing’ and ‘liking’ every mundane detail of life, it takes a remarkable effort to shock us. And yet it still happens. The recent Skype sex scandal in the Australian Defence Force would have been unthinkable only 10 years ago. While completely distasteful, most of us have come to accept an invasion of privacy through technology as a fact of life.
Voluntary Erosion of Privacy
For as much as I enjoy social media and benefit from active involvement in social media channels, the privacy question is a big issue for me. We’re being encouraged to barter our privacy away for the prize of more followers, more connections and more information. While we may think we’re being careful, the technology is becoming more adept at tracking our every move and extrapolating information from our social networking activities.
Social Media and Privacy
I’m speaking about this very topic, Social Media and Privacy, at the Australian Computer Society this week. Both the session in Perth and the one in Bunbury are open to the public. If you’re in the area, plan to come along and join in the discussion. My talk will focus on what people can do to stem the erosion of personal privacy.
What are your concerns about social media and privacy?
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Image credit: Fish Eye by jessicamelling, on Flickr
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Comments
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Hi Nick,
You're right about social media not being mandatory. It is increasingly pervasive in our society and it's changing the way we communicate. I think the danger is many people are assuming their conversations are private - they always have been - but in the online world they're actually more public than one might realise. I'm a big fan of social media but I do think you need to be careful about how you use it and not everyone is aware of the flow of information and how the different tools are networked together.Posted by Sarah Mitchell, 19/04/2011 4:34pm (1 year ago)
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Anyone that has a social media account should know what they are getting themselves into before they get involved. If they aren't comfortable, it's easy to not have a social media account. There is no pressure to get one. It's just important to be aware of privacy settings and think twice before posting anything. It's really just common sense.
Posted by Nick Stamoulis, 19/04/2011 6:58am (1 year ago)
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What's interesting to me, Susan, is how quickly we've become accustomed to sharing personal information. It wasn't that long ago we were all worried about "Big Brother". In terms of the real threats to our privacy, we're doing it to ourselves through social media and often inadvertently. We're also getting a lot of help from family, friends and colleagues, too. I'm going to write more about this topic over the next week or two.
Thanks for your valuable comment. Of course, we should always consider what makes the most sense for us and disregard advice from the masses.Posted by Sarah Mitchell, 18/04/2011 6:25pm (1 year ago)
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You have brought up important points Sarah. I take the view that it is up to the individual what they share online or offline and some things I have read does make me shake the head. I think it is dangerous for those new to social media to follow what others say including telling all about yourself without first thinking through the implications for your business and personal life. As we left school a long time ago and are adults let each one decide.
Posted by Susan Oakes, 18/04/2011 5:39pm (1 year ago)
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