But… upon getting a job managing social media for a non profit, I changed my Facebook privacy to “friends” only. My identity is sometimes revealed online to my company’s community, and I need to assume that information about me can be wrongly reflected on the organization (because of issues such as the “generation gap”). With that said, I have no issue “friending” my current boss on FB.

I don’t think it’s to that point either (that’s the cynic in me). If things go well, I think it’s possible that they’ll get to that point in 15 years (that’s the idealist).

This exchange probably illustrates a generation gap. Or cynicism (me) versus idealism (you).

In a perfect world, I agree with you. I just don’t think the political world has reached that level of comfort with “openness” — nor do I think the hiring world has. Mayhaps when your generation is in charge, in a couple of decades, that idealism will prevail.

In the interim, the most important thing is probably awareness: to have people know about and then consciously choose an appropriate (for them) level of privacy.

Greater transparency is one of the great promises of the digital age. We need to recognize (and legislate) our privacy expectations, and we need to protect privacy more than ever. We also need to recognize (and embrace) the value of greater public transparency.

Yes, I agree that posting personal information at that level of detail isn’t ok (see my second comment). What I question is this:

“I suggest that they restrict their photos to “intimate friends” (my language) and not “the world.”

Like I said, if you want something to be kept private, do it privately–and it that case, your right to privacy is important and should be inalienable. But if you do something publicly, it’s a sign of sincerity to be transparent about it. We, the digital generation, respect and value your right to privacy–but we will notice if you’re secretive.

I think judging someone’s sincerity by whether they are open to sharing every moment, or expecting others to share it is misguided. Not everyone is living their life in the expectation/fantasy that the world needs to witness it. While much of this conflict is generational and as time marches by institutions may share some of Mr. Mornin’s feelings. All the better I suppose. However, it is nice to be able to get away from it all sometimes. Eh ?

If there’s something you want to keep private, I think you ought to do it privately. If you do it in front of other people in a public setting, you can’t expect to hide it from the world (no matter how drunk you are).

If I’m thinking about hiring you or voting for you in ten years, I’m going to expect that there are some funny and embarrassing pictures of you online somewhere. If there aren’t any… who ARE you, really? I have no way of knowing! I’m much more comfortable knowing that you’re an open, sincere person.

That said, privacy is one of the most important rights, and you should be in control. But if you come to a party at my house, get drunk, and do something really entertaining, you should expect a photo to end up online somewhere. Don’t worry–it’s happened to all of us, and we’ll still hire you!