Read the Fine Print! personal information, GPS tracking apps, cyberstalking

When I was younger and webkinz stuffed animals were all the rage, I remember trying to register my account and feeling so defeated when I came to a 60 page long privacy policy. I thought I had to read the whole thing… and I did, or almost did. I got to page 40 when my little 10 year old brain thought, “this is just atrocious! There has to be an end to this madness!”

Okay, maybe not in those exact words, but still I was peeved. So, I scrolled to the end and sure enough, there was a button that read ‘I agree.’ “SUCCESS,” My 10 year old self thought. I clicked it and went on my merry way,

until now.

10 years later, as social media has skyrocketed and pretty much taken over everyone’s lives I’m realizing the importance of privacy, or the lack thereof.

My 10 year old self had the right idea. When we sign up for new websites, how many of us take the time to read and understand the binding contract we are signing? Even if we don’t believe it, it is a contract and if we break it we could be held legally liable. That’s a scary idea.

But what’s even scarier is the people looking at our page who aren’t behind the privacy policy. The company we ‘agree’ with are at least held liable to the same contract. However, other users on the same site can get away with  lot more because they aren’t in the spotlight. Using social media people can find where I live, where I got to school, my phone number,

the list is endless.

Don’t get me wrong, using social media is a good way to build a platform using all the same information. For example, I want to be on Good Morning America one day. I know social media isn’t technically related. However, most exposure, is good exposure. I use social media as a tool to not only share with friends, but employers too. Maybe one day, Robin Roberts will be one of those people looking at my page ready to hire me based on the content I’ve created. (hopefully!!!)  But, how will she get ahold of me? Good thing I give those people access to that information.

What I’m saying is that, there’s a fine line we dance on when it comes to privacy. What are you going to allow people to have access to that’ll keep you safe, but still allow the people who need it, to see it? That’s up to you. I do share a few things but I don’t share my phone number, where my family lives, or my location. That’s what keeps me safe, but will still give those important people a glimpse into my life.

So, be careful what you share and maybe listen to your 10 year old self and take some time to read the fine print because you never know who or what has access to your page.