"I'll keep in touch...are you on Facebook?" is often echoed as friends leave a party or a family reunion! Harmless camaraderie or invasion of privacy?
After reading a blog about parents posting everything about their newborns on Facebook, I began to see how too much information can destroy the privacy and security of the family. Facebook is like taking out an ad in the classifieds...who knows who and what is being exchanged with no idea of the malice being caused.
Being so open on Facebook can become a horrible situation and it opens us up too many terrible scenarios. Future educators, future bosses and future spouses can be lead into a frenzy when they read the timelines being put out there. Sometimes it is not only what we write it is the "friends" who write profanities and unacceptable scripts on our timelines.
As soon as you answer the few "about you" questions...name, marital status, school and work, you are setting the stage for those other folks to friend you. Do you really know that person?
At one point, I blocked a friend that I felt was going over the edge...she thought all guys are into Internet porn and that is not my view. I definitely didn't want to have her "porn-inclined" husband's view coming out in something she wrote to me.
A relative or two have crossed the boundary line with suggestive language and I have blocked them. The younger of the two received an email telling her to clean up her act.
When I see the damage caused by some Facebook dealings, I ask myself: What the heck? Is this social network really worth it. Does it provide more good than bad. Want a picture of an event? Go to the event. Want a baby picture of your cousin's new baby? Call and ask her to send you the hard copy.
What happened to birthday cards brought by the mailman? The whole network doesn't need to celebrate with you. Send an eCard if you wish or call your friend and send the greeting.
Today I heard a story that has convinced me to keep my information private. I don't want my grandchildren to be too casual about what they write on Facebook. It can bring terrifying and haunting situations into your life. Be safe and talk face to face when possible!
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