The constant nagging about Internet safety is getting a bit old. We’ve all heard the safety tips regarding predators and, perhaps the more appropriate term of creepers, but that’s what privacy options are for. Although it’s all good advice, a lot of social media users set their profiles to private and look the other way.

Nowadays, social networking goes far beyond personal safety. A lot of people don’t realize the other potential dangers they expose themselves to online, particularly on Facebook.

Facebook currently has 400 million active users. Those users range from preteens to corporate officials to celebrities to animals (yes, animals) and it’s easy to forget that the world of Facebook extends beyond just your friends. Have you ever stopped to consider the harmless information you post on your profile? Things like music and entertainment preferences, random statuses referencing every last detail of your day, your sexual orientation, political views and even your birthday. It’s the accumulation of these several small details that can put you at serious risk in situations beyond the everyday Facebook-stalker.

A 2008 Kaplan study discovered that one out of 10 college admissions officers scoped out their applicant’s profiles. Scandalous, provocative or party photos weren’t the only things affecting an applicant’s possible acceptance. Sometimes it just came down to a status trashing the college’s campus after a tour.

If you’ve already made it into or through college, you’re still not in the clear. When looking for a job, don’t assume that employers are too old or outdated to check your profile. Employers today are hip. They keep up with the times and with technology. They absolutely will hunt you down via Facebook to get the lowdown. It’s like a free background check; a straight shot to the real you.

If having your boss view a photo of you at that frat party isn’t scary enough, here’s something else to consider: Facebook has the right to use your photos. There’s always that fun little spark when someone tags you in a new and cute photo, but remember to read the fine print.

According to Facebook’s Statement of Rights and Responsibilities, content covered by intellectual property rights (IP content), like photos or videos, is licensed to Facebook until the content is deleted. (But if you delete it and a friend still has it, Facebook still licenses content and backup copies can exist for a period of time.)

Essentially, this means that although Facebook may not own your photos, they can still use them in relationship to Facebook. It sounds harmless enough, but you should always be aware of how big time companies are using your content. They’re your photos and videos. Keep them that way!

All in all, being aware is the first step towards true privacy online. Whether you make yourself unsearchable on Facebook (under search in privacy settings, set to “only friends”) or un-tag yourself in those questionable photos, make sure to be conscious of just who is looking at your information.

Ashley Sepanski, facebook, fine print, internet, privacy Hide

Google “Twitter,” and the first search result says, “Twitter: What are you doing?” The follow-up question that comes to mind is does anyone really care? I think that’s the reason I avoided signing up for an account. But through recent researching, I’ve discovered some things that have made me reconsider.

An ABC News article mentioned how the recession has caused more people to join online dating services and social networking sites. Forums provide a medium for people to engage with others, share their thoughts and have an open — we’re talking cyberspace open — dialogue with others.

So it makes sense that Twitter’s following, according to Nielson ratings, has had an astounding 1382% increase from February 2008 to February 2009. Twitter lets subscribers ask questions, get advice or just express how they feel. Twitter does this in a compact way that, according to Twitter.com, is an “antidote to information overload.” (That 140 character limit is a real fan-favorite.)

Politicians talk about what they’re working on, where they’re campaigning and even what they think about recent events. In fact, you can search for your state’s “congresstweeple” on Tweet Congress. News organizations update Twitter with the latest news and those who subscribe get it instantly. The news isn’t the only Twitter lure. Celebrities are another big reason why people join. Ashton Kutcher has almost 1 million people who care about what he has to say all day, everyday.

Real people also find reasons to sign up for Twitter. Zeeshan Hyder, 22, joined a few months ago just to follow basketball players. He says he hasn’t updated his own profile in months.

Michelle Hadi posts Lakers updates on Twitter. During games, she uses an “extreme amount of Twitter.”

“I don’t follow friends, I follow celebrities,” admitted the 21-year-old Hadi. “I think it’s stupid, but I can’t put it down.”

Those who aren’t into following celebrities or sending out personal updates often find Twitter pointless.

“Well, I figure I’m not important enough to have a Twitter,” Samantha Chui, 20, said. “I mean, do people really need to know every single minute what I’m doing? It’s kind of weird, like TMI.”

Twitter disagrees. Under their “Why section” on their homepage, it states, “Because even basic updates are meaningful to family members, friends, or colleagues — especially when they’re timely.”

Alana Taylor, a student blogger from New York University, writes that Twitter is so popular “because it has created Micro Fame.” Selfishness and greed are natural parts of human nature and having people “follow” you — having people care about what you’re doing at every moment creates this feeling of Micro Fame that can be undeniably attractive.

In fact, it might be the desire for Micro Fame that separates people like Hadi from others like Hyder and Chui. I don’t plan on creating an account for myself, but perhaps if I have the urge, I’ll subscribe to someone that gives me daily news updates, jokes or interesting info I need — in 140 characters or less.

Do you tweet? Follow i am that girl on Twitter.

photo by nathan makan

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Ninety-seven-year-old Maria Amelia Lopez, who dubbed herself “the world’s oldest blogger,” is a testament to anyone who wants to learn something new but thinks it’s too late to try.

The great-grandmother received her blog at the age of 95, and wrote about educating senior citizens about technological advances saying in one blog entry, “even a fool will learn some things.”

Lopez’s blogs also described her ailing health and her life during Spain’s Civil War under the dictatorship of Francisco Franco. She received more than 1.5 million hits on her blog, which drew media attention from all over the world. Eventually, Lopez’s notoriety as a blogger led to an invitation in February of 2008 to meet with Spain’s President Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero.

Lopez was an advocate for senior citizen’s rights, gaining a sizable international following of those who read her blogs about her everyday life in Spain. She adopted the moniker “Abuela Internauta,” or Internet grandmother, from news organizations. Her growing popularity as a blogger garnered interest from political figures, but her devotion remained to her readers.

“My bloggers are the joy of my old age. I had no idea that [there was] so much goodness in the world,” Lopez wrote on her blog, amis95.blogspot.com.

The Abuela Internauta’s first post said, “My friends in the Internet, today I am 95 years old. My name is Amelia and I was born in Muxia … on December the 23rd of 1911. Today it’s my birthday and my grandson, who is very stingy, gave me a blog.”

Lopez said an interview with South Korean newspaper Oh My News International that she started blogging to entertain people and herself. “I saw that it was a nice thing, a beautiful thing … now I relate to the whole world.”

Toward the end of her life, Lopez opted to post video messages in Spanish rather than written blogs due to her failing eye sight. In the wake of her death on May 27, Lopez’s grandson inherited her blog, writing a post in memory of her. He thanked those that supported her 880 days of successful blogs.

He wrote, “I’m not sad at all. I don’t know why, but I’m not. Life does not last 150 years … life is for the living and she always lived with intensity.”

Lopez’s family said she now rests in her birthplace in Muxia, Spain where she had some of the best times of her youth.

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A few years ago, photojournalist Rachel Harbut saw a video on the Tsunami that struck Indonesia. Compelled by its message and images, she showed a friend the same video. Equally mesmerized, the friend proceeded to ask her what had happened. Given that the tsunami tragedy was one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history, not to mention its status as headline news, Rachel was stunned. She says, “Not hearing about a natural disaster wiping over 230,000 people really says something about your world awareness, if not character.”

Inspired by the video, Rachel was on to something big. Her love for newspaper publication and passion for world awareness, left her no choice but to go digital. With just her laptop and YouTube, she started creating media presentations to promote world issues, educate her peers and encourage people to get involved. “I want people to know how fortunate we are in the U.S. and how easy it is for us to help. We have so many resources,” Rachel says.

Want to make a difference but don’t know where to start? Rachel suggests starting with the Internet. “It’s as simple as using Google. You’ll be amazed the little effort it takes to make a huge difference,” she says. Supporting an organization through online participation is an easy way to make a difference. Rachel recommends Nabuur.com, an online volunteering platform that links online volunteers with local communities in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Through the site, volunteers and local communities learn about each other, share ideas and find solutions to local issues.

Social networking sites are another great resource because they help establish connections and enable us to reach a global audience. Facebook Causes, for example, is a simple and easy way to make a difference in the world around us. “Use the Internet for good things and be a part of something that lasts. The Web’s resources can make a positive impact across the globe… it’s simple. It’s logical. It’s only fair,” stresses Rachel.

The crisis in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is one of the world’s largest humanitarian crisis and an issue dear to Rachel. This global issue is responsible for  45,000 deaths each month and reigns supreme for committing the world’s worst crimes against children and women. Considered the most deadly war since WWII, the conflict in DRC is in need of urgent attention.

Have the desire to help but find it difficult to donate? “You can still help even during hard times and the recession. It’s not always about money. Spread knowledge and be compassionate about something other than yourself,” Rachel says.

Through videos, Rachel hopes to redirect the world’s attention and focus of the media. “Don’t be fooled by the Britney Spears image. There’s much more to life than that. For those that thrive on peace building or just willing to help, here’s an opportunity to make a big difference. Collaborate with others, encourage healthy ways of living and promote peace. Don’t forget to share it with the rest of the world,” Rachel advises.

Check out one of Rachel’s videos:

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It’s month three of my online dating and as I sail through the ‘Net, I’m feeling a lot more poised at the helm. I still encounter the occasional iceberg, but with seasoned sea legs and a more trained eye, it’s easier to steer clear of dangerous waters.

If you’re a landlubber diving into online dating, here are some tips to help navigate the sea of prospects …

Full Speed Ahead:
•    He actually thought about his profile. One Mr. Maybe said that he was looking for a girl who “doesn’t count the carbs in her beer but knows where her salad fork is.” Using specifics to describe an overall quality, like valuing one’s health, shows thoughtfulness and maturity.
•    He shows and tells. Anyone can be spontaneous on paper, but if he mentions the time he wound up backstage during a rained-out concert, you know he’s more than just talk.

Test The Waters:
•    His profile reads like a resume. He doesn’t quote your favorite film or share your love for Labradors, but you’re intrigued by his passion for ethnic food and dream vacation spot. Send him an email to see if he opens up.
•    He’s funny, but maybe too funny. “Hurryimbalding” had me laughing from the start—he was sarcastic, claimed to be a mac and cheese maestro and his pictures verified a full head of hair. But when we met for coffee, I found a soft-spoken guy who barely made eye contact. Making sure I hadn’t confused Hurry with another match, I joked about Kraft versus Velveeta Shells; when he didn’t seem to get it, I reminded him of his profile. “Oh,” he mumbled. “My roommate actually wrote that …” I excused myself on the basis of false advertising.
•    You can see what he likes, but can’t see him. Pics that show your match in exotic places, doing extreme sports or with a bunch of friends can be tempting. But stop and ask yourself why, out of a handful of images, none show his face? It may be worth meeting in person—that is, if you can ID him.

Abandon Ship:
•    What he’s looking for is more exact than an algorithm.
•    He’s just not that into it. A particularly vague profile could mean that he is ambivalent toward dating in general—and who wants a lukewarm love when you can have red-hot romance?
•    His favorite things are beer, bros and barhopping.
•    He gets too up close and personal. One prospect stated on his profile that he believes “sex is only true way to get to know someone.” Really?!?
•    He posted pics in a bathing suit, or worse yet, in his underwear. Mayday!

While the “Abandon Ship” bullets are general red flags to keep an eye out for, remember that everyone’s emergency manual will read differently. Keep some cliff notes that remind you of specific traits that you’re looking for in a match, and your search should go swimmingly. Trust your instinct, carry a spare life jacket, and bon voyage!

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It’s been called the Internet Paradox and it states that the more you use the internet for communication, the less you actually communicate face-to-face or on the phone which then leads to an increased likelihood of depression and loneliness.  And loneliness and depression can lead to all kinds of health hazards, from cardio-vascular disease to insomnia. It may not have a direct, 100% correlation, but it’s enough to raise some eyebrows, turn some heads, and pick some fingers up off of keyboards.

Socializing turns out to be incredibly beneficial for your health. And I’m not talking about sending an IM to a buddy on Facebook or even a text to your mom in Virginia. A (lucky number) thirteen year study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health found social activity can be as effective as physical fitness at pushing back death’s cold, black fingers – not usually the hand you want to hold.

Seriously? Spend more time with friends and family, live a longer life? Sold. Less time on Facebook equals more time in life? Whoa there. We’re just as addicted as you. (Confession: we often take Facebook breaks at the iatg office.) It’s all about using internet socializing in a better way. So here are some suggestions:

1.    Use social networking to set up social events.
•    Thank you, E-vite. You’ve totally reduced my postal service needs as well as my need to plan an event three weeks in advance. Three days in advance? Plenty.
•    Leave a message on your best friend’s wall or text her to arrange meeting up for coffee after work to vent, rather than writing her an outraged email.

2.    Keep in touch with long distance friends.
We all miss the gals we went to college with and you know that best guy friend is never local, so don’t be afraid to use the internet to keep in touch. BUT make sure to put in a phone call on a regular basis, too. Even if you don’t get them, there’s nothing like getting a phone message from someone you haven’t heard from in awhile.

3.    Convenience isn’t always the best choice.
Yeah, we know it’s easy to open a new window on your computer and type a couple words. Yeah, it’s pretty simple to open up your phone and put a few letters together in a text. But it will mean more to you, and to them, when you make some time to dial a number into that phone of yours (who knew it could be used in such ways?) and chat for a few minutes. Make your friends and family a priority even if you can’t always spend time with them.

It turns out when you make time for your friends; you may be adding time to your life in the long run.  Maybe you should be calling your friends and thanking them for that advantage rather than waiting for them to thank you for the phone call….or at least send a text.

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We’ve all seen the classic movie scene in which the girl angrily burns her box of boyfriend memories. Movie ticket stubs, dried flowers, perhaps a t-shirt or two go up in flames as she wipes her hands— and supposedly her heart— clean of him.  Many gents, both on screen and off, have been banned to the Land of Exes and the burn or bury strategy seemed to be working well. That is, until a little thing called the Internet came along …

Advances like networking sites, blogs, and instant messaging make it convenient and easy to keep in touch with old friends and make new ones. On the flip side, when it comes to ending a relationship, these convenient tools can jeopardize break up sanity faster than you can update your online status.

Way back when, one way to get over an old beau was to avoid mutual stomping grounds—but what if your stomping grounds are virtual? With our social world on the Web, can an ex ever truly be out of ‘site’?

As with any relationship bump in the road, there is no clear-cut set of rules to make it out safely. However, here are some guidelines worth following:

•    If you must stalk, set a time limit—and I’m not just talking about hours, I also mean times per week. (Note: It’s considered cheating if you stalk his camera-happy friends). If you find yourself inevitably glued to his Facebook page, avoid the site altogether. The withdrawals will pass, I promise, and with all that extra time, who knows what hobbies you’ll take up. For those of you who claim that Facebook is your only link to mankind, I’m calling your bluff. You can easily set your account to forward all messages, invitations and other such notices to your regular email.
•    Be wary of Facebook photo wars. It’s a slippery slope that starts when you remove your name from group shots or pictures taken of the two of you, only to be followed by a series of counter de-tags. De-tagging can lead to de-friending, and this should only be done as a last resort.
•    Steer clear of Stalking Under the Influence on the information superhighway. The wet bar and the Web simply do not mix.
•    Don’t use your profile, pictures, status or away message as a weapon. While you may have a mouthful of words for your ex, broadcasting them online is not the way to let him know. Keep it classy!

It’s true that we have evolved past building bonfires out of our old flames, but the Internet can make it all too easy to revert to cavewoman tactics. These days, ending a relationship with your honey means redefining your relationship with your computer. If you find yourself getting caught in the web, log off, shut down or sign out. Take a break from virtual reality and use the time to explore your actual one.

photo by justin gaynor

dating, email, facebook, internet, MySpace, online dating, online status, relationship, virtual reality, web Hide