How To Maintain Personal Privacy on Twitter

by Mary C Long

How “evolved” are you when it comes to personal privacy on Twitter?

Do you send out personal updates that fall under the “too much information” (TMI) category? 

Maybe that’s part of what Biz Stone was referring to at a recent speech in Salt Lake City when he shared his observation that “users are still evolving their “digital selves,” particularly on issues of personal privacy.”

​If you tweet with any regularity, we have some points you should be aware of – and possibly rethink.

In our post earlier today, we told you about an unnerving experiment where a Japanese writer tracked down three people in a crowded region of Japan – using only the tweets they sent. Could someone do that to you? Let’s review a few trouble spots that may compromise your personal privacy:
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​If you tweet with any regularity, we have some points you should be aware of – and possibly rethink.

In our post earlier today, we told you about an unnerving experiment where a Japanese writer tracked down three people in a crowded region of Japan – using only the tweets they sent. Could someone do that to you? Let’s review a few trouble spots that may compromise your personal privacy:

 Does your profile contain your full name and location?

Transparency is important, but knowing the specific town where you live is not. I’m okay with knowing which state you live in and if we network beyond that, I’ll get more info in time.​

• Where does your website link bring readers (if you have one listed)? Do you want everyone on Twitter to know where you work? Maybe you do! I do, but I’m in a bit of a unique position. Outside of working in social media, I’m not sure that I would want folks to know where I worked if I wasn’t tasked with marketing my company from my Twitter.
• Have you linked your Foursquare to your Twitter? This might not be the best idea unless you’re okay with strangers potentially approaching you while you’re out. I had one creepy encounter, with a person tweeting to me from another table. I didn’t see the tweet until after I left, but let’s just say my Foursquare was delinked that day!
• Do you share photos on Twitter? Remember, this isn’t Facebook where you can keep photos private (unless your Twitter is private, of course!). Post pics with caution. 

So how evolved are you when it comes to personal privacy on Twitter? And what would you add to this list? 

This post originally appeared on AdWeek's Social Times


IMAGE CREDIT: JOE HOWELL