I just discovered a comment, which I had thought permanently rejected, was in fact posted on a blog, and I wanted to explore the subject a little more. Since comments are closed, I’ll address the issue here.
Chris Miller explores the topic of social stalking; you should read the whole post on The Social Networker, but basically, I am contesting the statement disagree with the suggestion that “You are first to blame for not securing your information. Next for even directly sharing all your information to anyone that wants to look.”
My original response:
As for the blame, Chris, I have to disagree. Saying that you, the user, are the first to blame before the stalker is pretty backward. If you are stalked, regardless of how careless you may have been with your information, you are not to blame for someone else’s inappropriate behavior.
I agree that there is an onus on users to be responsible and protective of their information to a certain degree, but we shouldn’t be creating the expectation that everyone better lock up their stuff nice and tight or else stalking is fair game (not what you said, I know, but hopefully the point is clear).
The blame for inappropriate behavior is first and foremost on the person behaving poorly. There are things we can do to protect ourselves from bad behavior, but failing to do them doesn’t mean that we are to blame for the behavior.
Chris’ response to me:
Well I tend to disagree on some of that. While we would love to have an open dialog and everyone will behave, it just isn’t possible. So providing either secured (to trusted friends) or limited info (such as not exact locations) is required. Sounds like we could have a conversation on this.
What I want to add here is an analogy. While I hate to take it to such an ugly place, I believe it has been well established in rape cases that if a person dresses in sexy attire, it is certainly not that person’s fault if s/he is raped!
So back to our social stalker situation… As potential prey, I may be throwing out information right and left, and while this may not be wise of me (just like it may not be wise to run about clad in hot pink versions of one’s underwear), it is still my right not to be the subject of criminal acts. My naivete does not change that.
Assuming that I do not want to be the victim of a crime, there are certain things I can do to protect myself based on the behavior of criminals. But that’s they key- my protective measures are based on the criminals’ behaviors, not vice-versa. It’s the criminal behaviors that are the root of the problem.
Anyone want to weigh in? Is there something I am missing?
October 22, 2008 at 12:07 am
Great feedback! I hinted that the person sharing too much was first to blame, not final for sure. But one thing is different in your anology, in the social networking world you have the digital ability to quickly lock yourself down and stop the attack. Yes, there will still be ways, but it is far simpler to protect virtually then physically.
But great feedback, sorry the comment got sent to spam (that was fixed by coComment). Also, you might want to see the new site my wife and I started that started by working with schools and has now started to expand
http://SocialStalking.com
Chris
October 22, 2008 at 10:08 am
You’re right Chris, it is easier to protect yourself virtually than physically, I hadn’t considered that. But I’m still not convinced that that makes the victim first to blame for being socially stalked. Or is that still what you’re saying? (I don’t want to misinterpret…)
(No worries about the old comment! Thanks for getting it posted in the end!)