Spokeo Information Search

It is true that when something is posted or uploaded to the internet, even after deletion, it is still floating in cyberspace somewhere. It would be nice to say that everyone that uses the internet knows this information already, but unfortunately there is a good number that do not. It is good to be cautious about the internet, but being completely scared of the internet is a waste of a reliable source of connecting people and gaining

Private information that was previously segregated now becomes easily accessible to employers, colleagues, recruiters, and clients, among other perhaps unintended audiences” (Abril, 2012, para. 4). Yes, most social media sites attain privacy settings but one must always remember there are hiccups in everything on the internet and no guarantees leaks will not occur.

Jim Harper, the Webmaster of WashingtonWatch, feels, “People should get smart and learn how to control personal information.” However, at this time, the only way to thoroughly control your personal information is to avoid the internet altogether. Once a web purchase is completed or a post is liked, that data moves beyond the reach of that individual. An identity is created, but the one it identifies has no authority in the matter. The data brokers have carte blanche to handle or pass along information as they please. Truth and privacy become casualties when the only concern is how to make a profit, and there's always a profit to be made. As Alexis Madrigal noted, “Every move you make on the internet is worth some tiny amount to someone.” Individuals should have control over their internet identity after their hands leave the keyboard. The damage done, whether purposeful or unintended, is too great of a risk to let continue. In the meantime, Jim Harper's limited solution should not be ignored. Each individual must be attentive to what data they make available. For now, it is the only power we

As Justin Brookman says, “‘Without a framework in place to assure everyday consumers of the ability to limit the collection and retention of the minutiae of their lives by unknown third parties, any sense of a realm of personal privacy may completely evaporate’” (Tapscott 119). There should always be some sense of mystery in the world. Third party sources often find a way of getting information that Internet users did not give them express permission to. The flow of information goes further than most people realize, which is where the dangerous invasion of privacy comes in. A sharing is caring mentality is all good and fun until a third party uses it against you. We should beware the extent to which our information can spread without our

Putting your personal information on a social network site can put your safety or future at risk. You never know who is watching. “The words and images you post on the Internet may be available for years, and your profile may be viewed by future employers and school admissions officials, as well as identity thieves, spammers, and stalkers.” (whoswatchingcharlottesville.org), anything can happen and most times you can’t take it back.

Social media is very deceiving because of all the things and information the social media companies like Facebook

Although Bennett’s article is biased, she includes a few reputable people and anecdotes which are essential. After reading her article, it is safe to say that “once unsavory information is posted, it’s almost impossible to retrieve” and that’s the darker side of the internet

Many do not know what problems social media can have in everyday life. The essay “Job Candidates and Facebook” Weidu explains how one self may look or appear professional but a job can find way more than that. Many jobs now hire professional individuals who search out a certain person who applied at a job and do a background check on them. Most of the things that are found about these people are found on Facebook although Facebook might be private they can find anything on a quick search on google. Weidu also speaks about how anything posted on social media will remain

After conducting an exhaustive research on my Internet Footprint, I have found information that one would find in a phone book such as my address & home phone number. However, one of the surprising things I found were people I was associated with, particularly family members, age demographic, & my date of birth. Most of this information is found on typical people search sites such as Whitepages, Spokeo, Intelius, & 411. While I would like to find out if any other personal information is posted on those sites, I am prompted to pay for additional services in order to access that possible information. In terms of Google/Bing search images, I have found no existing pictures. Since I have multiple e-mail addresses, I cross-referenced my name with my e-mail addresses to see if it is associated any name other than my own. I have found no association nor any presence online even with an advanced search of Google or Bing.

According to Renee Fricks, vice president of human resources at Imperial Capital, “Your social media profile can be more revealing that your resume” (Cohen, 10). Social media has become a normal use of technology of an average college student. From Facebook and Twitter, there is a means of connecting students on diverse planes via the Internet. This allows employers to search any potential job candidate’s social media to investigate user’s posts to determine if they fit their position and hold themselves with high moral regard. If students do not monitor what they post, potential employers may be turned away because of inappropriate pictures, conversations, or other behaviors. Learning about proper social media uses can prevent qualified candidates from losing job opportunities.

It is quite cheap and fairly easy to accumulate thorough information about people because of the advances in computer technology. This can prove to be beneficial for law enforcement looking to track down criminals; prevention of fraud within banks, and consumers becoming more educated about new products and services. However, this also creates opportunity for misuse of such information.

“Never put too much information online. You never know who will try to take advantage of it.” I must admit, my father’s word of advice sounds like a broken record repeating itself; expressing this to me so many times. Even though he is right. What I mean to say is that the advancement with Social Media over the years has been slowly (but surely) affecting us in real life. Considering the fact that companies and everyday people assess you based on your social media profile and online history. In essence, this violates the right of privacy as well as inhibiting the need of intimacy with other people; prompting me to explore what I had disclosed publicly via Google and Facebook. Have I shared too much information? Will it affect me with future opportunities? The only thing I can do is keep my fingers crossed, and hope for the best.

A social networking website is made popular by a technologically inclined culture which populates the website and has a need to be social online; although not everyone wants to jump on this platform of communication. As the amount of people using a particular social networking website increases, so too will the website's popularity and it’s value in the marketplace resulting in attracting a greater share of the population. Consequently utilizing a domino effect technique. The people who populate the site will become popular at greater levels as they increase their friend base due to the current way Facebook and now Google+ links friends that are a degree or two away. Facebook constantly reminds a user of “People You May Know” even if you don't, but maybe someone in your current circle or association of current friends do. The whole concept of a social networking website is based on popularity so it is no mystery as to why people who use it get the idea to do a “online self-presentation,”(Mehdizadeh 357). A presentation that can be totally honest only including their close friends and family(people who know them best) or one that can be narcissistic in nature where a

Social networking sites such as Twitter or Facebook have created a new ethical dilemma for many businesses. Corporations, small businesses, and even universities are struggling create policies to manage their employees social networking behaviors. Social networking access, particularly for recruiters, can provide personal information about potential employees, which would otherwise not be available. A business must follow statutes and guidelines when disclosing information to the public. Individuals on social networking sites have no such constraints. Employees can and do make comments about their employers online. Employers can and do watch what employees post online. Any individual can send or post potentially damaging information

Sharing your personal information on social media site is not a good idea. Why? Due to the problems that have occurred, many people think that they can trust the internet and share their information when really they are wrong. Once people share their information on social media sites they are potentially inviting trouble for them, this would give another user a chance for stealing their information. However, the social media site can be used in a good way, with positive purpose.