Privacy

        The issue of privacy comes up fairly frequently when it comes to communication technologies.  For me I break the issue into two different groups.  On one hand there is privacy protection from things such as identity theft, credit card information being stolen, etc.  That I believe is a fairly big issue and should be a concern.  I think a good way to protect oneself from those type of things are to be "media literate" enough to know who/what websites one should trust. 

        The other type of privacy protection issue I think deals with everything one does being tracked.  For example Google saving every search you make, or Facebook saving everything you've ever posted.  To be honest I am not at all concerned.  I do have set privacy settings for my Facebook profile that are fairly straightforward and all Facebook users should be familiar with.  That said, those settings are, for the most part, a precaution to cut down on unwanted comments (i.e. taking away comment abilities for some groups).  I firmly believe that I will always be marketed to as long as I use communication technologies and because of that I have no problem with being tracked.  I would rather see advertisements relevant to me than about things I am not interested in.  I have no problem whatsoever with Apple or Verizon or anyone other company knowing where I go on a day to day basis via tracking my cellphone, I'm not hiding anything.  In fact I usually post my location to Foursquare wherever I go so that not only faceless companies and data miners, but also my actual friends, know where I am.  I don't think it is a big deal at all that "Big Brother", Google, Apple, or anyone was is watching us.  There are those who feel like its an invasion of privacy.  However, I think that we choose to use technology of our own free will, in exchange for others keeping track of our information.  No one is forcing anyone to have a Facebook profile… Just Sayin...

Facebook privacy settings, fairly straightforward, and practically walks you through how to customize your settings