This is a bit off topic for what I usually write about here, but I’m the author and it’s my prerogative to do that from time to time. 
You’ve probably heard in the last few weeks about issues with Facebook and privacy. Then users rose up and declared a mass Facebook exodus on May 31. Then Facebook said, “We’re going to simplify privacy options.” Then the whole thing hit the cover of Time. Now tonight, it’s been revealed that Facebook (and many other social networking sites) have accidentally been releasing personally identifiable information to advertisers. It’s all been a giant mess which have resulted in tons of complaints, Facebook/Twitter posts, news articles, and more.
Through all of this, however, I’ve kept my Facebook privacy settings pretty open–mostly anyone can read my posts. Now only friends and such can see my most personal information, but if you want to see a picture of me or see what I’m up to, you can. Most people think I’m crazy for this–they say there’s some things on Facebook they’d like to keep private, and that Facebook’s constant changes makes it too hard for them to do it. Others say that Facebook is pushing us to share everything.
What we forget often, however, is that the Internet is an innately open, public place. It was designed as such. Anyone desperate enough can find out any information about you they’d like, really. We can create semblances of privacy, but the reality is that the web is open, and no one can change that. Even some of the world’s most secure government computers have security breaches from time to time. In an open environment, privacy is lost.
Image from Flickr user chooyutshing
It’s helpful for me to picture the Internet like a glass house. You can choose to have your windows wide open, closed, or barred, but it’s still glass. You might be making it harder to see in, but it’s far from impossible. That’s why my personal online theory is this: I only post things I would want my mom to read. Now admittedly, being friends with your mother on Facebook does help with this. But the principle still stands. If you wouldn’t say it to your mom or wouldn’t show it to a future employer, it doesn’t belong online. Anywhere. No matter how “private” you may have it. Glitches happen. Privacy is violated. You can put bars behind your windows, but they’re still just windows.
My point is this: rather than complaining about privacy, don’t say stupid things online. Don’t put things online you wouldn’t want the whole world to see. I’m not saying privacy breaches are right or OK–not at all. I’m just saying that in an open online world, it will happen. Get used to it, and adjust your behavior online accordingly.
Thank you for bringing a much needed dose of wisdom to this conversation. I tell people that if they do not want to be caught doing something online, then don’t do it. And if they are concerned about their online safety/privacy/whatever, then disconnect from the internent, unplug their computer from the wall, and find another hobby. Well written essay. I appreciate it!
Evan,
. Otherwise, it’s going to get out! 
You’re spot on with this one! We all like to blame the “Axis of Evil” in the Internet world: Google, Facebook, MySpace, Microsoft, etc, but the fact of the matter is just this: We all need to be responsible for what we say and do in cyberspace. As an IT Professional I’ve seen this all too often! The Internet is pretty much PUBLIC DOMAIN! If it’s on the ‘Net, it will be discovered. If you want it to stay in the closet, then maybe you need to walk into your bedroom and place it in a box, hide it in your closet and KEEP IT THERE
While we’re on the topic, for those of you that have computers at your workplace, just beware, that workplace computer is not your property! Anything you say and/or do on that computer is property of your employer. They have the right to look through all of the files on that computer, so beware what you say and/or do on that computer! I used to work for a law firm that used to litigate such things!
Be safe on the net!