Technology has many benefits as well as unintended consequences that we sometimes don't take into account. One of the more recent cesspools of societal gluttony has been social networking sites like Myspace, Facebook and Twitter.
The website PleaseRobMe.com decided to rebroadcast the Tweets and Posts from Twitter and FourSquare.com that revealed that the user was not at home. They were trying to point out the obvious risk of being too open about your whereabouts at all times. They make a good point however many people have alarm systems, live in gated and locked apartment complexes or have roommates that believe in the 2nd Amendment. None the less PleaseRobMe makes a valid point about the dangers of revealing too much online.
I can remember the day that I went to the dark side way back in 2005. Coming off a break up a friend of mine suggested that I open a Myspace account. My initial reaction was that it was stupid and a waste of time but since time was something I now had on my hands it was only a matter of minutes before I would fall into the trap.
It initially started off as a way to tell my ex to go screw herself by posting every stupid picture of me getting loaded with the girl of the week but as I moved on and the Myspace induced drama started to infect my life I realized the need to take a step back. Now my social networking consists of two groups, real friends and people who follow Sharp Radio.
I try to limit the personal information that I reveal but the reality is that anyone who is willing to spend a little money and do the research can pretty much find out anything they want to. Much of your information is public record or can be purchased for a little as $30.
Like with most technology we can go a little crazy and whether or not cell phones cause brain cancer I can tell you that I spend a lot less time on it. The same is true for these social networking sites. They mainly serve the purpose of titillation and escape from the work you are supposed to be doing at your job.
None the less there is a lesson here that should not be overlooked. We live in a crazy world and even if you have nothing to steal you might be a prime target for a different reason. Scorned lovers, stalkers and rapists can cause far worse damage then a smash and grab crook looking to steal you Play Station. So as much as I enjoy viewing those hot pictures of you in a thong, maybe you should think twice before you post them and your exact location on the web.
Stay Sharp!
STORY: Please Rob Me: Site Shows Dangers of Foursquare, Twitter
