This morning on Good Morning America, they discussed the perils of social networking. They profiled a woman who updated her Facebook status informing her friends that she would be out at a concert for the evening. She returned to discover that her apartment was robbed. She was even more shocked to learn that the robbers were her Facebook friends. Check out the video of the robbery below:
In recent weeks, Twitter and Facebbok have added a new feature that allows you to add your location to your updates. When used with the best intentions, two friends will discover they are in the same area. Criminals can interpret your update about going to Vegas for the weekend as an opportunity to rob you because your house will be empty for 48 hours.
Another popular service is foursquare. According to the GMA crew, this service lets you check in to restaurants, clubs and events to let people know where you are. You can show your support for an establishment by frequenting the joint enough to become the mayor, where you may earn a free drink or just bragging rights that you are the king of the geeky regulars. It also allows you to broadcast tips that may help other people tour the area and find good places to eat drink and be merry.
Facebook encourages people to choose their Facebook friends just as carefully as they chose their actual friends. While Facebook began as a site for college students to network, many people have used social networks as a means to commit crimes. Stories about Facebook stalkers are on the rise and users .Websites like pleaserobme.com have emerged to raise awareness about over-sharing on the internet.
1. Be suspicious. Do not assume that all 700 of your friends are REALLY your friends. Some people are nosey and some people want to hurt you. Just because it is the internet does not make it any less dangerous. In fact, I would argue the anonymity makes it even more dangerous because you don't know who you are truly dealing with. Just because someone says their name is T Johnson does not mean you should trust them. People lie to your face, do not think they won't lie on social networking sites. From now on, when you get a random request from someone take a moment to ask them if you know each other. It seems a bit extreme but it will save you heartache later. You may choose to have a blanket policy i.e. "I will only approve people in my network who share at least 50 mutual friends" or you may choose to make your policy more subjective "I will only approve certain people if I have 50 mutual friends and I will make an exception if he looks like McDreamy." Regardless of what you chose, do not take your online safety for granted. If you feel the need to share your exact location, limit the viewers to your closest friends.
2. Change your privacy settings. I cannot stress this enough. This is especially for those of you who put everything online for others to see. Everyone has received a friend request from someone whom they shared no mutual friends with and wondered "how did they find me?" Stop right now and type your name in a Google search. Thats right, Google yourself. Begin with your first and last name and then do another search with your full name, Take note of what comes up. Do you see your tweets? Do you see your Facebook profile? Do you see anything you weren't aware was posted online? Take charge of your online image the same way you take charge of your reputation. We live in the age of technology and employers often look at social networks to get a perspective about the lives we live. Make your information private! Do not assume everyone wants to use your information for your benefit. You've been warned. Check out 5 things you should know about your Facebook privacy settings for tips.
3. Don't underestimate the power of the "nosey neighbor syndrome." Nosey neighbor syndrome is a disease which afflicts you in such a way that you feel the need to know everything about your neighbors. There is no cure for "nosey neighbor syndrome" yet and it is spreading like wildfire. People affected by nosey neighbors syndrome suffer in silence. They wonder what their neighbors had for dinner last night and what they are eating for breakfast this morning. They question their neighbors about their ventures as they leave their homes and stare in disappointment when you refuse to share. Stick with me I have a point. Nosey neighbor syndrome has manifested itself on social networking sites and it has become dangerous. A perfect stranger can take one glance at your facebook profile and see:
Current city
Birthdate (age)
Sex
Websites
Pages you are a fan of
Religious views
Relationship status
Photos of you
What friends have written on your wall
Family you have on Facebook
Personal info (interests, activities, etc.)
Someone can use this information to hurt you. Don't help them find you. Let people earn your trust. Use a trust policy online similar to the one you have in real life. In my opinion, everyone has a little bit of "nosey neighbor syndrome." In other words, we want to keep up with people we find interesting. We research judges, celebrities and friends. We read gossip blogs to find out about Kim K & Reggie Band the paparazzi make their living following them around. We are inquisitive and we like to know what are friends are really doing. If you have a Facebook account and especially a Twitter account this includes you. The laws of economics rules the world. Sit down because this may surprise you. The leader of the world is not red, white, black or blue; it is green and gold. My point is that as long as the demand for something is there, someone will furnish the supply.
Think twice before you post when and where you will be. You may make the mistake of sharing it with someone with less than good intentions.
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