June 21, 2010

The fine line...

This is about the fine line between sharing details and sharing too much details on social networks like Facebook and stuff. Recently I've marveled how some people have absolutely no qualms in posting stuff about themselves that may potentially harm anything from their professional opportunities to their personal relationships. On that note, here's a poll on where I stand in your opinion...


Brushing the results aside for a moment, I think most people are a little lost on what can be shared what's too much information. And I gave it a little thought and came up with just 1 question that they need to answer -

Would they be comfortable with their boss and their mom reading whatever's been posted?

Well that sounds fairly simple. But sometimes some people neither have their moms nor their bosses on their lists and hence have no boundaries either. On the other hand, its not just about the inappropriate content either, not just about posting pictures of one completely zoned out after a night of partying or the likes of it. It's more about sharing too much. Like breaking up over Facebook or publicizing one's fights and misgivings, rants and fantasies about other people (not celebrities) which are very real. I haven't understood that. For instance if someone broke up with someone else, why would they want to actually scream all over Facebook about it? I have the same question about a million other scenarios. And it's like people's personal boundaries have eroded into ambiguity with the popularity of social networking. Now getting "likes" or unwarranted advice/comfort from relative strangers is more welcome than actually sorting things out with one close confidante.

A while back, I read on Dear Prudence that someone found out that her best friend was getting married only through FB. That's just ridiculous. On the other hand posting information about the really big events might be ok (not like an invitation, but like an information). Like buying a house or moving to a new city- surely things everyone would like to know and find out eventually anyways. But then there's another thing I realized even as I write this post. Each person will have different boundaries. For instance what might be my too much might just be normal for someone else. Which makes the whole post moot, I guess? But then there's still something to ponder about. How much is too much? Comments appreciated.

6 comments:

Musing Gal said...

to me its more of the relevance. If the topic is relevant to the blog then post it, meaning it is right for the target audience. Also I strongly believe there are certain things that are too personal to be blogging about. The virtualisation offered by the web might trick some people into posting everything :).

Jaya said...

Musing Gal->Thanks! On that note, where do you think I stand? Am I treading the fine line well? Or should I strive to do better? I look forward to hearing from you. :)

Jaya said...

Ah well, the poll rules 70-30 in favour of saying that no, I don't indeed post too much personal information. Yoohoo! Thanks to everyone who voted and keep visiting!

Madhumathi said...

deduct the vote of me...i read the poll for myself... in the sense if i post too much info on the web...not u Jaya :D

Jaya said...

Madhumathi-> You voted "yes"? If so, where do you post too much information anyways??

Madhumathi said...

Though i dont blog...my FB status says it all ;)

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