The Buzz Be aware of your surroundings, even on the Internet

By Marlene Bohr

I learned recently that January is celebrated as National Stalking Awareness Month.
The talk focuses today on the high tech ways that people can find out information about others and can stalk others. We have GPS devices, hidden cameras, cell phone cameras and computer spyware. You can be outside of your home and anyone can snap pictures of you on their cell phone. Lately there has been a case in the news where cameras were set up inside the home also. I can see where that might be helpful when people think caretakers of their children or parents need to be watched for suspicious activity.
People can follow your activities on Facebook. From what I do know of Facebook, people really enjoy posting things about their family activities and pictures. And I know many grandparents love the media access to see the latest picture of their grandchildren and what they are doing. It is a great way to keep up with friends.
However, beware of posting every activity you are doing, especially if you are leaving your home to go on a trip or shopping. Someone else can see that, possibly someone who can go to your house and rob you while you are gone. It pays to play it safe.
As with a lot of things, there are advantages and disadvantages.  Do you know who is seeing a lot of the information that you are posting?  People you don’t know can join Facebook and cruise around and just pop in and see what they can find out about others.
There are undoubtedly some people that are doing just that and looking for any and all information about you. Maybe they can find out where you live, where you work and all about your family. Maybe you are posting things that should only be kept one-on-one with friends.
If you ever apply for a job, one of the tools prospective employers may use is Facebook. It would be sad to be turned down for a job because of remarks you made a few years ago.
This is just a caution to be careful. Don’t let the whole world know what is going on in your life. There are some people out there you would not want to know where you live, where you shop, and where your kids go to school.
Just as you are cautioned always by law enforcement, be aware of your surroundings. Be careful what you put online for anyone to see.
If you chat with anyone online, be aware that the person may not be who they present themselves to be. Many people with ulterior motives have Internet access also. It is always wise to err on the side of caution.
Caution should also be used when we are angry and want to post something to retaliate back. We often are told if we write a letter when we are mad, wait a day or two, and then read it and see if we still feel the same way. Maybe that should apply to what is posted online for the people to see also. With a click of the send key, some things can’t be taken back.
In the meantime, enjoy the perks of the social networks, but keep the private things between your close family and friends with phone calls, emails, and yes, even snail mail. Those seem to me to be safer ways to relay important personal information to others.
In other words, just be careful you really want to say something or send something before you actually hit that button and send it. Always err on the side of caution.
If you think you are a victim of someone stalking you with high tech devices, contact your local law enforcement for their assistance. It’s far better to be safe than sorry.