Recently I have been exposed to the realization of how much I actually use social media. I use facebook, twitter, instagram, Linkedin, and now a blog and I can’t help but wonder if I am over exposed.
Do people know too much about me? Do complete strangers know my personal life? What about people that I don’t want to share this information with…do they still have access?
I have come across a couple of interesting articles recently about privacy in social media that have provided some food for thought about the reality of these questions. California has recently passed a law to defend Facebook privacy. Should employees be able to make you hand over your social media login information? Lawmakers and lawyers are now having the discussion about what should happen to one’s social media when they die. This is such an interesting notion. So even when you’re dead people can access your personal life…? Is this invasive and disrespectful? Or did they permit this when they dipped into social media?
The issue of privacy within the world of the internet is more prevalent than ever before. I went to a party the other day and 7 people that were not in attendance knew I was there. How? I wasn’t on Facebook, I didn’t tweet about it and I hadn’t put any pictures on Instagram. There was no way for anyone to know. Wrong. Multiple other people at that party utilized their social media and “tagged” or “mentioned” me. But this wasn’t my choice….but it didn’t matter. It’s like we’re on constant watch even when it’s not our decision to inform, which brings me to my next point: What about when it is our choice? What about when we reveal something personal on the internet in what we think are private parameters….are they really private? To reveal something on the internet in this century seems accessible by anyone who is interested and pretty permanent. A known blogger, Beth Kanter, would say the same thing. She writes a lot about privacy on the internet. All of this concern about privacy seems to be affirmation that there is a shortage.
Annnnnd the question….Are you brave enough?
Now that the realization has hit of privacy online not existing to the extent we hope for, are we still going to share personal information? Are you brave enough to expose yourself to the world? That is a tough question. I know that when I am on social media I try and filter everything to a product that I wouldn’t mind anyone coming across. Do you? I wonder as I get more comfortable with blogging if I will allow myself to be more vulnerable. There is quite a risk at stake. The thoughts and emotions I intend for one group of people are realistically accessible to everyone. Will I still share my story?
So as it all comes to a simmer….. How brave are you in sharing information on the internet that may be available to the world? And how brave am I?
amberleiahenson 