Facebook Location (Places): Beware

I have seen it, I’m sure you have too. When people check in to somewhere on Facebook, remotely. Facebook Places true intent is that when you are out and about, you check in, letting people know who you are with and where you are.  

This is a great application to use when out at a restaurant or a football game (for example), but have you ever considered that when you check in to someone’s or your own home, that you are sharing that address with the World?

When online, you try to keep much of your information private, only sharing this with the people close to you. But just how close are your ‘friends’ on Facebook.

I have to admit, I have friends on my list, which I met through my Business. I haven’t met them personally, and although I know who they are online, do I know who they are offline? The answer is ‘No’ which brings me to my question- is the Facebook Location application safe?

Does everyone in your list need to know that you are now not home, as you have checked in at a Restaurant, and perhaps that brand new Computer you were so excited about in your previous post, is now home alone?

I am not suggesting your friends, will come and take advantage of that- but what about other people that are looking at your wall?

I was having a conversation about the Places Application with my brother on the weekend. He dislikes it as when his mates come around to his house, they check in, advising the World where they are and the exact address of my brother’s house. This is not his decision to put it out there, though his friends.

Of course, this is a personal opinion, and perhaps a caution to you, to be careful and mindful of what you put out there for all to see. Perhaps a timely reminder to check the Security Settings on your personal page.

Erin