Oversharing, Are You Guilty?

BY Asif

Technology connects the world. So much so, that information can even be offered in “real time,” barring any understandable transfer lags. Yet with such conveniences comes risk of sharing too much. Whether it’s an inappropriate comment or shouting to the world at large that a home is left unattended, it is remarkably easy to let personal information become all too public. Identity theft, cyberstalking, home burglaries, job loss—all at one time or another have been attributed to oversharing.

If any of the following scenarios sound familiar it may be wise take stock of one’s Internet habits.

Personal Relationships

Two partners get into a row and start taking shots at one another through social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter. Or worse, one hacks the other’s account and starts posting damaging comments posing as them. Though it doesn’t sound like something two loving adults might do, this kind of thing is very possible when anger levels run high. Lowered inhibitions due to excessive drinking can also certainly compound issues, too. Word to the wise: Drunk and/or angry? Step away from the keyboard.

Sexual Experiences

It is a safe bet that sharing intimate details with an untrustworthy person can lead to regret. Granted, some don’t care about who knows what, but it’s good to remember that today’s friend could be tomorrow’s enemy. Before kissing and telling, think about any possible long-term ramifications that may come about if trusted friends don’t actually deserve it.

Checking In

The premise—to highlight favourite spots and meet up with friends—is great. However, publicly checking into a spot via smartphone could be a really serious safety risk. Anyone who’s had a frighteningly interested acquaintance (read: stalker) knows this one already, yet it bears mentioning because checking in at a business doesn’t just notify everyone where you are, it also tells them where you aren’t, meaning at home. Think some burglaries don’t occur with just such encouragement? Think again. If you must do check ins via mobile then at least try to wait until you’ve left the establishment before posting.

Drunk Texting

Drunk dialing was once bad enough but texting is that much further removed from the object of affection or anger. Plus the medium itself is too limited to talk about serious subjects with any kind of clarity, and throwing booze into the mix could spell disaster. As advised with all forms of social media, when feeling no pain, put down the mobile—or the morning hangover could be greatly compounded by remorse and shame.

On Holiday

It’s natural to want to share every little detail about a holiday in France, totally understandable. Yet in today’s tech-connected world, such sharing can lead to an empty flat upon return. Before ever sharing details that could that could lead to theft or personal harm, be sure to check your privacy settings for all online pages. Also note that more than a few burglaries are often by people the victims know. Be careful when sharing information that could endanger you or your loved ones.

Job Secrets

This type of oversharing has become so widespread that many employers are now having new hires sign nondisclosure contracts. No matter what the privacy settings, it takes just one fellow employee with a grievance to show a negative work tweet or post to the power-that-be and you’ll be out on your ear. And if you reveal trade secrets you could very well find yourself on the losing end of a lawsuit.

Advancements in technology offer wonderful opportunities to stay connected with friends and family no matter where you reside. It’s natural to want to share life events, and with the Web they magic of instant sharing is incredibly heady. Yet common safety should always be considered when telling your whereabouts, and common courtesy should be remembered when saying things that could be misconstrued or deemed inappropriate. Think before posting any information that could be used against you.