A new website has been launched to emphasize the dangers of exposing too much personal information on social networking sites when you are out and about. The site consists of Tweets that have been pushed through the fast-growing location-based networking site Foursquare.
Basically telling everyone via the Internet when you leave your home. For example, left home and checked in 4 minutes ago:
The goal of this website is to raise some awareness on this issue and have people think about how they use services like Foursquare, Brightkite, Google Buzz etc. Because all this site is, is a dressed up Twitter search page. Everybody can get this information.
The Risks of Oversharing on Social Media
Foursquare allows people to “check-in”, which is a way of telling them your whereabouts. When you check-in someplace, they will tell your friends where they can find you and recommend places to go & things to do nearby. While this feature can be incredibly useful for socializing and discovering new places, it also poses significant risks. By broadcasting your location, you are essentially informing potential burglars that your home is unoccupied, making it an easy target for theft.
The creators of the website, Please Rob Me, aim to highlight this very issue. Their intention has never been to have people’s homes burgled or to condone burglary, but if it makes a few people think twice about what they are posting on Twitter and other social networking sites, it has to be good. As they say, all this information is in the public domain already.
Practical Steps to Protect Your Privacy
To mitigate these risks, it’s crucial to take practical steps to protect your privacy. Here are some recommendations:
1. Limit Location Sharing: Only share your location with trusted friends and family. Most social networking sites offer privacy settings that allow you to control who can see your check-ins.
2. Delay Your Posts: Instead of posting your location in real-time, consider sharing your experiences after you have left the place. This way, you can still share your activities without compromising your home’s security.
3. Review Privacy Settings: Regularly review and update the privacy settings on your social media accounts. Ensure that you are not inadvertently sharing information with strangers.
4. Be Mindful of Your Audience: Remember that not everyone who follows you on social media has good intentions. Be selective about who you accept as friends or followers.
5. Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about the potential risks of oversharing on social media and educate your friends and family about these dangers.
The website Please Rob Me serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of oversharing personal information online. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy the benefits of social networking while safeguarding your privacy and security.
Via Neatorama Via Please Rob Me
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