Social media sites like Twitter and Facebook allow their members to post updates about their daily lives, which many take as an opportunity to share information about their travels as well. Who doesn’t want to brag a little when they're on vacation? You might announce “Headed to the airport – Paris here we come!” or post a photo from an exotic locale to make your friends and colleagues back home jealous: “Sunrise over the Taj Mahal this morning. Awe-inspiring!”
This article from The Associated Press raises an important issue for social networkers, though. If your status update says, “I'm on vacation,” are you broadcasting that message to would-be thieves as well? The article points out that in the time before social media Web sites, no one would consider leaving a detailed message about their whereabouts on an answering machine, but many people do something similar on the Web.
If you’re planning to update one of these sites with your location, it may be worthwhile to take some precautions first. After all, some people who follow your messages may read your latest status update as, “I’m leaving my house and all my valuable possessions unprotected for two weeks.”
Do you think there’s a risk in sharing your travel adventures on Facebook or Twitter? Or is this a part of Web culture that’s not worth worrying about? Share your thoughts and experiences with other travelers in the comments section. And then be sure to follow us on Twitter (@Fareologist) and become a fan on Facebook.
Although it is nice to talk about your vacation, I think that you do need to be cautious when stating your plans. If you are a small business running out of your house, you definitely are allowing those who follow to know of your absence. Social media is great in many ways but also requires regulation at times.
I agree that you have to discriminate as to what information you put on social networking sites, but I don’t believe that posting that you’re out of town is an invitation to a robbery.
As with any online activity, it’s important to be mindful of the information you give out: if your Facebook profile also includes your address, then you might want to be careful about posting your whereabouts. Unprotected updates on Twitter can be read by anybody with a web browser, so some extra caution about your tweets is probably a good idea.
However, this story from the AP only gives one example of a robbery that may or may not have had a connection to Twitter. A vast majority of “I’m on vacation!” tweets, or some other 140-character variation, don’t result in a robbery. It may be a risk, but I think the chances that you’ll soon be tweeting “Where is my TV??” if you share your location are pretty slim.
I agree with Justin. I honestly think there´s no need to let the world know about your travel plans in the social media, but I wouldn´t mind to let them know after my trip and share my travel experience with others.
We definetely need to be cautious and take our social media under control.
I agree with Mariangeles. I wouldn't mind telling them after my trip; I too don't see the need to tell world about your trip before it happens.
You are a great help.
I always post after I get home what I've been up to- but never before. I think posting anywhere on the internet (where anyone can read it, guys!) is asking for trouble. It's like the author pointed out- we don't leave messages on our work phones saying we're taking an awesome 10-day vacation in the paradise that is known as Hawaii (or where ever) so why in the heck would we put it out on the internet where so many Anonymous Joes can read it? It's such a bad idea, IMO...
the whole social network is a disaster waiting the happen.
Pedophiles have already stuck. My kids no longer have a computer. The schools don't like it but they are not in charge.
how 'bout a message
Nyah nyah ny ny nyah Your at work and I'm not
What is amazing to me is that people think others are really interested in what they are doing every second of their lives. Trust me, folks, your lives are not that fascinating. Wouldn't a postcard back to those you're thinking of suffice and show more thought than a mass twitter or facebook update?
Is twitter so addicting that you can't turn it off and actually LIVE what you're doing? Turn off the computer and the phone and whatever else... LIVE IT!!! Talk about it when you get home.
I agree with Lloyd. Tha computer is nit that important that you cannot talk to people about your vacation instead of announcing it on Twitter or Face Book.
I travel a few times each year. Only a few trusted people know that I'm gone and where I go. Even my co-workers don't know I'm out of town. They just know that I'm out of the office. Only my boss and one trusted co-worker, who watch my cat, know where I am.
I keep all the house lights on timers so that nobody can tell if I'm home or away.
I have to ask why people want to go on these sites and share everything. Like the article said, if someone is determined enough, they can find me. It's not that big a secret, but why would I want to give someone help?!?! I don't. Therefore, I stay away from the social sites. I don't need to share every minute of my day or when I'm going to be away. No one's business but mine. And I ensure my kids aren't on the social sites. Too many unknown people!!
People really need to think about what they post on social networking sites. Not just vacation info, but everything. HR departments now google before hiring. The stuff you post without a thought could keep you from getting the job you really want. Think people. Don't give out personal info to the world. Are you begging for some sicko to know all about you?
I don't think it is the act of saying you are on vacation but rather all the other information shared that allows pinpointing where you live. Many travel sites have live update from ships etc.
