Big Brother (and a couple of other freaks) is Watching

We all have seen the reports on the Today Show or GMA about how people are being targeted for what they put on Facebook, Myspace or blogs etc. It can be anyone and everyone from long lost friends, to possible stalkers to future/current employers who are using the internet to gather information.

At some point I think we have all wondered how stupid can some people be to put really personal information out on the web. But I think the more important question that shold be asked is who is out there surfing the internet looking for your indescretions? I want to believe that many of these people were randomly caught by someone innocently surfing the net and stumbling upon the damaging information. You know, a friend sends a link to a site and you are shocked when you log on and see someone you know....Unfortunately that is not how many people are being caught. In a lot of cases people and companies are actively surfing the net looking for information.

Million dollar question...if you have to worry about everything you post (predators, theives, stalkers and now your employer) is it worth posting anything? What exactly are we so desperate to share with the world that we are willing to take these risks? Is it our generation's attempt at quasi-fame? What are we trying to communicate to the world with out posts? And does anyone really think that posting pics of themselves doing jello shots in a bikini on a bar surrounded by 30 servicemen won't be misunderstood???

I have the best self-policing answer for the internet, friend your mother and a few of her friends on Facebook or Myspace. Trust me, knowing that everything you post will have instant visibility to your mother, is a great way to censor one's self and postings! Lord knows it works for me, and will too for most people. That is unless your mother is next to you on the bar doing jello shots! If in that's the case, my favorite flavor jello shot is sour apple. Bottoms Up!