Privacy and Confidentiality

As new media increases and becomes a staple in our personal and work environments, concerns over privacy and confidentiality rise.  One obvious correlation can be seen in social networking sites where users post and expose all sorts of pictures and commentary assuming they are protected by their privacy settings.  Additionally, some people go further and carelessly reveal personal information such as phone numbers, work/home addresses, email addresses, and the like.  Exposing such information can lead to harassment, stalking, and potential identity theft. 

 

I believe what's lacking in new media is privacy and confidentiality awareness.  Too many users rely on privacy settings without realizing that once information is available on the web, it is available for all to see regardless of your privacy setting.   Also, some site privacy settings are so complex that they are difficult to monitor and ensure its effectiveness.  Truthfully, if you don't want something out there on the web for all to see, then don't post it anywhere! This way your information and/or pictures remain secured and confidential, and privacy is kept safe.