Network sites offer more than meets the eye
- TAGS:Facebook, MySpace, social network
- IT TOPICS:Security
I don't like to state the obvious over and over again, but sometimes things do bear repeating. Remember that if you're availing yourself of networking sites like Facebook or MySpace, you may sometimes be revealing more of yourself than you know.
I just read an AP article by Martha Irvine in USA Today "Social network users overlook privacy pitfall" where she points out that users often don't hesitate to "agree to the terms" with words like "know who I am and access my information." (I think for some, it's almost a force of habit). Those applications may end up sharing what you thought was "private" data with other people, companies or organizations. For whatever reason, some people look at these networks as status symbols with concomitant bragging rights. If you like getting ads that are targeted to you, and various other pop up advertising, then go ahead. But if you're like most people and you find that kind of targeted advertising intrusive or just creepy - remember to limit (or eliminate) which application terms you agree to.
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