Social Media Marketing And Personal Privacy - Ready to "Self Delete"?
Posted by Jody Raines
Social Media marketing is about sharing and transparency. I met with a client today who is concerned about identity theft as well as sharing too much. When is sharing your information about what you are doing too much?
Should you hide your identity?
Much has been said about privacy and Facebook, as well as privacy and social media in general. This week, Facebook launched Places - another way to check in while you are out.
It's a narcissistic way of sharing with the world all the neat places you've been to - Kind of like a "don't you wish you were here" for cyberspace friends.
When you note where you are in Fourquare or Facebook Places or Gowalla, can this lead to stalking issues? Robberies? Or worse?
Is Facebook Places Annoying?
Just yesterday, I posted a question on Facebook: Do you find Facebook Places annoying?
100% of the respondents said "YES", and they also had concerns about burglaries due to sharing where they are on Facebook Places.
But you can learn some interesting things by following the stream of posts on Facebook. One of my male "friends" on Facebook apparently has a great nightlife! He seems to know a lot of clubs and restaurants! As the evening goes on, you can track exactly where he is... and it's kind of funny... another friend (female) is checking into the same places at the same times! But, wait, they are married - but not to each other! So much for keeping that affaire a secret!
Too much sharing?
I worry about the ramifications of too much sharing, and pictures that others can post. Pictures that may not be the most flattering, or portray the best situations. Especially for my friends who are job seekers, what does this mean for their chances of employment. We know that employers are Googling us or Binging us or Yahooing us. No doubt there have been hiring decisions made based upon what was posted on Facebook.
What's the solution?
I am not sure there is a solution - other than be careful what you post and monitor what is said about you. Check your privacy settings often and be careful... That being said, I found this video to be absolutely appropriate, and while humorous, it does point out some of the scarier downsides to social media. Thanks to my friend Glenn Gabe for sharing this on his Facebook wall!
Are you going to change your name, have your face surgically altered or self-delete? LOL! What do you think?
WebMarCom is an Internet strategy and Web Marketing Communications Agency based in South Jersey and Philadelphia.