We've all done it... we've all used Google or Facebook to seek out information about your ex, that new person on campus, even celebrities. It's innocent, nosey, and...stalking? Recently while doing a theater practicum, I met someone interesting...just interesting enough to make me want to Google him. While I'm embarrassed to admit this, I think it proves a good point. We became good friends, and after he left to go back to his home state to film for a movie (exciting, right?!) I Googled him. Yes, I am that person. I was blown away by the information I found. It was absolutely creepy. Right away I sent this guy a text saying, "you will never believe what I found on Google about you!" His yearly salary, past and current addresses, theater roles... it was all there.
My point is, while Googling this guy was completely harmless on my part, where do you
draw the line when it comes to "researching" someone? I think it's when you know more information about someone than you would willingly admit. Sure, it's fine to say you noticed they were a Vikings fan from their profile picture. But when you know EVERYTHING about them... it's stalking. It doesn't stop with Google... you can use Facebook, Myspace, even dating profiles.
Urban Dictionary describes Facebook Stalking as, "a covert method of investigation using
facebook.com. Good for discovering a wealth of information about people you don't actually know"
What do you guys think?
I will admit that I totally laughed in regards to your blog this week. You basically were asking about what is too much even though you admitted that what you think you did was too much. Yes, you are right. We all do it and enjoy doing it. Personally, if someone puts information online then I don't think you are "stalking" them if you read that information. Take for example Facebook. We all choose (for the most part) what information goes on our page. Clearly we intend on people seeing this. If we are checking out that information, I don't see anything wrong with that. If we are sitting on Facebook staring, waiting for them to post information... well that is just creepy.
ReplyDeleteYour comic tells all. At this point in our society, Facebook Creeping is still relatively new. People do it, as you stated, because it’s there to do. How many times during class do you become bored with the professor's lecture and decide that Facebook Creeping would be a better use of your time? As you said, it's harmless.
ReplyDeleteThe difference between stalking and Facebook Creeping is the avenue in which you attain the information. Stalking takes you to someone' private home or place of employment and you gain access to their information without their knowledge. While I hate defending Facebook Creeping, we must look at the facts. People put stuff online. If they are willing to post, they have to suspect their information will be creeped. It comes with the territory, as wrong or socially "un"acceptable as it may be.
You know, I am torn on this one. I realize that it may be a little much, but I have worked with the public for years and years, and sometimes you cannot smell the nasty on others. When I met my fiance, I looked at the state website for any judgements against him, and checked out the sexual predators list for the state. I realize it was going far, but life is too short to find out too late. This way it help to make a characterr assessment about this person, too. What? Possession with intent to sell? No thanks.
ReplyDeleteOn the flip side, though, I was honest about it. He was shocked and a little hurt, but I explained it to him- and then (sometimes I am so smart) I related it to his daughter. Would you want your daughter to do what she could to provide safety for herself? It was better then.
I did my blog on the same issue; the difference between stalking and utilizing technology. I really enjoyed reading your blog because it gave me another view of the issue. It was also great that you explained a real occurrence as well. When you can apply something to your life, it helps the reader connect with your blog. Technology can be useful, but also can get us into trouble. We definitely have to be careful of the information we release to the internet! Great job Megan!
ReplyDelete