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Do you remember the first time you fell victim to too much information in a social media network? I'm referring to that feeling you get when someone shares personal information you're not necessarily comfortable receiving a feeling you've invaded someone's personal privacy simply by being connected to them in a virtual network. It's become common for people to compromise their own privacy but I often wonder if they even realise they're doing it.

Social Media circa 1993
I distinctly remember the first time it happened to me. I was on contract to IBM UK in the early `90s. Long before Craig's List, someone developed an intranet application to sell used cars, sporting equipment, baby furniture, books, and anything else you no longer wanted but still held value to other people. It was an instant hit. We all marvelled at connecting with previously unknown co-workers in other locations over common interests not related to work.

Early example of `oversharing'
The forum quickly grew in popularity and the listings bulged. Circumventing the jumble sale, it was the first toe any of us put into the e-commerce water, albeit a very primitive model. Once the practice of advertising and selling online became widespread, it didn't take long before a thread of unease set in. A young mother listed her breast pump. A meek man tried to sell racy novels. Discussion ensued about decorum and posting rules.

Technological Invasion of Privacy
Compared to now, these are mild examples of oversharing. In 1993, a common question was why someone would want to reveal so much about their personal life. In an era where people are `sharing' and `liking' every mundane detail of life, it takes a remarkable effort to shock us. And yet it still happens. The recent Skype sex scandal in the Australian Defence Force would have been unthinkable only 10 years ago. While completely distasteful, most of us have come to accept an invasion of privacy through technology as a fact of life.

Voluntary Erosion of Privacy
For as much as I enjoy social media and benefit from active involvement in social media channels, the privacy question is a big issue for me. We're being encouraged to barter our privacy away for the prize of more followers, more connections and more information. While we may think we're being careful, the technology is becoming more adept at tracking our every move and extrapolating information from our social networking activities.

Social Media and Privacy
I'm speaking about this very topic, Social Media and Privacy, at the Australian Computer Society this week. Both the session in Perth and the one in Bunbury are open to the public. If you're in the area, plan to come along and join in the discussion. My talk will focus on what people can do to stem the erosion of personal privacy.

What are your concerns about social media and privacy?

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Image credit: Fish Eye by jessicamelling, on Flickr