Privacy On The Internet & The Classic Facebook Scenario

“Well Mr. Smith, we really enjoyed this interview. We would like to offer you the position, but first can you please explain these Facebook photos??” Does this really happen? I mean I guess I cannot discredit the impressive amount of idiots there are out there who have managed to find their way into this situation or worse, but I must say that don’t know anyone. And to be honest I don’t know of too many people who would care if their photos were shown. I came across a great post by Ben Casnocha on the death of privacy on the internet and the synthesis of all your persona's on the web.

It is important to pay attention to who expresses outrage at privacy scandals on popular web sites. When Facebook announced its new privacy settings in December the usual suspects (EFF and other Silicon Valley geeks) issued condemnations.

Did any mainstream user under age 30 give a shit?

Young people care the least about privacy. Or, if we're not proactively anti-privacy, we have at least stopped clutching to the illusion that real privacy is still possible:

I wrote a post last month that dealt with some of these same issues. In my post entitled Generation Y's Impact on the Military
the topic of secrecy was discussed. A snippet of that post is below.

"I think that Gen Y'ers more comfortable packaging themselves as one identity as opposed to a work person, an at home person, etc. They want to be respected for their ideas and contributions, not just for the appearance they present and for their ability to walk the line and live the status quo. Part of that process starts with the liberating practice of sharing information and experiences, and not necessarily just with those you know personally. Not everyone gets it, even in Generation Y. I know I still get comments and questions from friends about my blog all the time wondering why I put the time and effort in. But those who do get it are willing to bypass privacy for they feel that they don't have anything to hide and much to gain!"

Ben also discusses his take on the classic Facebook scenario I discussed earlier and I love his optimistic outlook not only on the chances of this scenario happening, but on the severity of the outcome if it in fact does happen.

All this notwithstanding being told countless times to reign in transparency and cover your private life...or else. Every college senior gets the "be afraid of Facebook, be very afraid" talk from career advisers who trot out examples of drunk photos costing students their jobs. This is overblown. For one, a would-be employer is seeking authenticity and honesty. If they're so stupid as to expect not a single somewhat embarrassing photo from years 12 - 21, you probably wouldn't want to work with them. In fact, a raw Facebook profile might just be the breath of fresh air that the hiring person is looking for after reviewing a hundred whitewashed uber-polished resumes.

I couldn’t agree more. I have never met Ben but I feel as though I have an identical outlook on this topic. I have drinks with friends all the time. I enjoy talking and getting together over food and a few tasty barley pops. Most people I have encountered on this earth enjoy it as well, and those who don't enjoy the drinking aspect do not frown heavily upon those who do. To assume that ever interviewer's gag reflex kicks in when they see a picture of a candidate having drinks is simply not realistic. If the person does have that reaction, you probably wouldn't enjoy their place of employment.

Any horror stories out there or different takes on the death of internet privacy in America's youth?

Great Viral Marketing And A Few Good Laughs - Guitar Hero Video

When you think of cat like screams, a few sweaty bodies, horribly odd & contorted body motions, smeared makeup, and loud evil music, there are plenty of thoughts that come to mind. A video games with plastic instruments isn't necessarily the first scene that comes to mind. But the odd description above is quite typical of any group of people shredding their hearts out while playing Guitar Hero or Rock Band, and anyone who has participated in a living room jam session can attest to the games fun and addictive qualities. The concept of the game is remarkable enough to spread sales through word of mouth, but as all great marketers do the makers of Guitar hero are looking to get the word out through multichannel marketing. When I came across this beauty video I couldn't help but think that there is a little of this music nerd in all of us. I think the video below is a great example of what internet/viral/whatever you want to call it marketing should be all about. Not only does the clip have an ethos, eliciting a feeling that there is a little rock star in all of us, but it is funny as hell and likely to be emailed to friends and family, talked about in the office, or posted on blogs. The story screams that no matter how much we have repressed our inner rock demons the Guitar Hero gift from the rock Gods is the way to unleash the fury within. Even if you don't know much about music or have never considered yourself to be a musical person the message is loud and clear in this video. I love how they narrate via cheesy 80's power ballad in the background similar to the hugely successful "real men of genius" series by Bud Lite. My favorite part though is when he signs the ladies rack at work...classic! Enjoy the presentation and I would love to hear some comments on this video and how it does or does not do it for you from a marketing or a comedy standpoint.