Do you put TMI (that's Too much Information) online? Third of social network users regret what they have posted online
By Daily Mail Reporter
Once in a while, we’re all guilty of over-sharing. But with the rise of social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, millions of us do it on a daily basis.
A survey has found that many feel guilty about providing TMI – too much information – on websites where their updates and photographs can be viewed with ease.
The study into the online behaviour of 2,000 over-18s found a third wish they had kept photographs or personal or biographical details to themselves.
And over half of those questioned admitted there are plenty of people following them online who they wouldn't knowingly share any personal information with.
Indeed, 'over sharers' have been left red-faced after posting drunken photographs, posing in very little clothing and using inappropriate language.
One in 10 people have even been pulled up by the boss after publicly moaning about work. And more than one in 20 have missed out on a job because employers weren't impressed with photos they had seen online.
Yesterday a spokesman for digital marketing agency White Hat Media, which commissioned the study, said: 'There is a massive trend for people posting their whereabouts and achievements on a daily basis.
'Research shows that the average person dips in and out of social media several times a day, sharing a wealth of information in the process.
'And it can be hard to remember what followers you have, and who you might be comfortable sharing intimate details with.
'Moaning about a hard day at work might not go down well with the boss or work colleagues, and posting pictures of a night out when you've claimed you're busy to someone else will also cause problems.'
Other mishaps caused by Brits posting too much information include being found out having an affair, getting rumbled for pulling a 'sickie' and divulging dates of holidays.
And when it comes to content of regular posts, 'over sharers' admit they often share their proudest moments, how they are feeling and what they did at work.
Other common posts include details of where they are going, illnesses, thoughts on local news, news about friends and family and what they've bought that date.
Boasts about the children's achievements, gossiping about celebrities and what has upset them are also shared daily.
A fifth of people admit they probably do say far too much when online, and 53 per cent wouldn't confide in half of their followers if they saw them face to face.
More than a third polled would be embarrassed to learn that certain friends or family had seen embarrassing photos or posts.
And three in 10 people admit they often look back at their post and status updates and cringe about what they wrote.
But despite sharing a wealth of information online, only 44 per cent are confident that the details they are posting are safe and secure.
While 37 per cent admit they are not online security savvy at all. More than half of those polled think they should probably be more careful when it comes to sharing information online.
The spokesman for White Hat Media continues: "According to these results people are sharing more and more sensitive information online without even thinking about online privacy or the serious impact it could have on their lives.
'Scientific studies show (Stanford University) that people are willing to freely share private information as long as they believe it will be kept confidential and this is the trap many fall into.
'When this confidentiality is breached or they realise that posting things online is not as private as they first thought, people start to regret quite how much information they've put into the public domain.
'There are a few steps you can take to make sure your online reputation is protected. For instance, regularly review your privacy settings and bear in mind that most posts are open to public view unless you physically change this on your account.
'If there is any doubt in your mind about whether the content or comment you are sharing through your social channels could be potentially damaging, or construed as offensive in any way, then quite simply don't share it.
'If you wouldn't want your mum to see what you post, then you probably wouldn't want future or current employers to see it either.
'It's generally best to keep that slightly risqué photo or inappropriate comment about your boss offline.
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