Steve, this is an excellent and well considered piece on the machinations of the online social networks. I do absolutely agree with you that the risks for identity theft is not insignificant with these services. But I do think it can be tempered with common sense.
It's the urge to amass the longest list of "friends" that may eventually lead to someone being taken for a ride. On Facebook for example, I do receive occasional friend requests from absolute complete strangers. The common sense thing to do is to obviously reject such requests. There are many crooks out there seeking on to prey on the "friends" syndrome that drive these social networks as you have pointed out. People need to remember that social networks need to be supported by the real life social network. If you do not actually know the person in real life, you should definitely not allow them into your social network.
Once you go through this vetting process, the only people that can see your personal details are people that you are already connected with socially in the real world. Hopefully you are not associated with too many unscrupulous real life people.
But at the same time, there is still the need to exercise some common sense on what information to share. With a little bit of prudence, social networks can be an enjoyable way to stay in touch with people.
PS. I've posted your article to my Facebook profile !
Post edited by: Chris, at: 2007/12/26 01:51
Post edited by: Chris, at: 2007/12/26 01:54
