Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

Concerned about Google Buzz?

With the introduction of Google Buzz, it’s reasonable to be concerned about this new social medium. There are likely millions who have been praying for Google to become a real social networking player, as well as to fuse old and new services into a more streamlined application. Many factors render this the reasonable, even predictable evolution of the social web.

The integration of Buzz with Gmail, however, introduces it not just to eager, tech-savvy socializers, but to…your mom. This is an obvious goldmine, opening up a whole new market of reluctant late adopters. The problem goes both ways, thrusting compulsory social networking activity upon people you don’t want seeing your online activity, and who aren’t the least bit interested in sharing their own.

Email is the one function beyond turning on the hardware that many techphobes have embraced. With its metaphorical name and relatively standard application, email has provided a safe, controllable haven away from the rapid-paced, privacy-lacking frontiers of the open web. People knew what they were getting into with email, and it’s vital for them to be aware there’s a little more to it when it comes to Gmail.

A number of troubling scenarious come to mind.
- “I didn’t sign up for Google Buzz. I never even heard of it.”
- “I’m fine! I use Outlook. It will be three years before I figure out that my employer uses domain Gmail with Outlook.”
- “So, you mean that stalker can find out who my friends are (despite my completely hidden facebook page) just because he nabbed my business card?”

Though both rants and raves abound in these early weeks in the life of Goggle Buzz, the privacy issues will likely subside. Google’s has been shockingly responsive to complaints, only adding to Buzz’s momentum. Social networking has caught on with the masses, and those unwilling to participate will now have to put in more effort to opt out. Google Buzz provides a new (big) reason to stay aware of your online reputation and take control of your online accounts.

If you do not want to use Google Buzz, DO NOT JUST DISABLE IT. Check out this guide to properly turn off Google Buzz.

Tags: google, online presence, privacy
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