Are Social Networking Websites Safe?

AB Editor | 14:01 Wed 17th Mar 2010 | Technology

26 Answers

With recent events highlighting the dangers of using social networking sites, we thought we'd ask you about your views on social websites like Facebook, MySpace and even The AnswerBank.

This poll is closed.

Which social networking websites do you regularly use?

Facebook - 53 votes
42%
I only use The AnswerBank - 44 votes
35%
Other - 13 votes
10%
Twitter - 6 votes
5%
Yahoo! Answers - 6 votes
5%
Flickr - 3 votes
2%
MySpace - 0 vote
0%
Bebo - 0 vote
0%

When you use social networking websites, do you feel that your personal information and other data is safe?

Maybe. I think my data is safe but I don’t like giving information out anyway. - 43 votes
48%
I never use my real name and location when signing up to websites. - 19 votes
21%
Yes, but I fear that my details are used for marketing purposes. - 12 votes
13%
Yes, I trust the website with my data fully. - 9 votes
10%
No, I think my data is auctioned off to the highest bidder! - 7 votes
8%

Do you worry that the people you talk to on social networking websites aren’t who they say they are?

Yes, I try to distance myself from making ‘friends’ on websites because of this. - 41 votes
48%
Yes, but it doesn’t bother me. - 27 votes
31%
No, I don’t care because I’ll talk to them anyway! - 17 votes
20%
No, I trust people entirely. - 1 vote
1%

Do you maintain private contact with people on social networking websites who you’ve never met in person?

No. - 50 votes
56%
Yes, but only occasionally. - 23 votes
26%
No, but I would if I was asked. - 9 votes
10%
Yes, on a regular basis. - 7 votes
8%
Yes, but it was a one off. - 1 vote
1%

Would you ever meet up in person with someone from a social networking website?

No. - 25 votes
27%
No! Especially if I was meeting someone from The AnswerBank! They’re a bunch of nutters! - 16 votes
18%
Unsure. - 13 votes
14%
Yes, but only in a group. - 12 votes
13%
Yes, on my own. - 10 votes
11%
Yes, but only those who I have known for 1 year or more. - 8 votes
9%
No, it’s not that I don’t trust them, but the situation would make me uncomfortable. - 7 votes
8%

See final stats

Stats until: 22:20 Wed 18th Dec 2024 (Refreshed every 5 minutes)

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AB Editor

Question Author

Some futher interesting Stats here: http://mashable.com/2...al-media-usage-stats/

All the best,

Spare Ed

society

Interesting poll here, Ed.

AB Editor

Question Author

Thanks Society!

Not too much uptake on a debate though!

Spare Ed

northernmonkey

They are as safe as you make them/want them to be.

jackthehat

I enjoy the virtual anonymity of AB, and don't FB, MySpace or Bebo.
I did use the Private Messaging facility on *whisper* SAB because I found it a useful way of continuing 'board discussions' on a more private basis, enabling me to explain more fully my thoughts, views and experiences to individual Abers rather than having to either announce them to everyone on AB, or be ham-strung in the completeness of my posts on the main board.
I may well arrange to meet someone from AB but am old enough and wise enough to stay safe when doing so.

AB Editor

Question Author

I would broadly agree with that. Some can be more invasive than others. For example, has anyone here used Google Buzz? You certainly didn't sign up for that - but it is there!

All the best

Spare Ed

jno

jackthehat heads for first face-to-face meeting with legend...

http://www.timesonlin...azatanks1_466118a.jpg

jackthehat

Pah !
He'd need to bring more than that, jno............! :o)

society

"Are Social Networking Websites Safe?"

I believe as long as one does not give out too much personal information, they're ok. Just an observation on AB - I've seen many times where some of the thing folks on here said came back to haunt them. Their input was innocently done and it was used as a weapon against them.

society

Answerbank is 'home' I hardly visit anywhere else.