Our urge and pattern to share what we are doing via social media, sometimes clouds our basic common sense. Not a day goes by that I do not see a post on someone’s Facebook wall that announces they are leaving for, or are on a summer vacation. This post is a reminder for people to err on the side of caution. For example, I was not always cautious about locking my car in my driveway, until a couple of years ago a few teenagers decided to break into several cars in the neighborhood and steal what they could get their hands on. All they got was my GPS (which they had to reimburse me for), but it was a great wake-up call that sometimes we all have a false sense of security.
As much as I am into social media and live my life sharing what I do, vacations are a different thing and most people will not know I am on vacation until I get home and share pictures. You will not see me Foursquare checking in at a beach unless I have gone away without my hubby and he is home protecting the house. That being said, our house is truly never left unattended when we are on vacation, due to our “special” dog who goes into depression when we are gone. But still, I err on the side of caution, even with a sitter.
OK, I fully expect to hear the argument, “But Greta, you have a huge open network of social media connections with people you do not necessarily know in real life. I have my Facebook locked down and only people that know me in real life see my wall. I do not Tweet, Foursquare or Instagram like you.” My answer, “Oh please…if you put it on the web, anywhere, it is fair game for anyone to see. The internet is not secure!!!” I will not go into my, “Do not put pictures of your kids on the internet soapbox” now. I just released the first picture of my son who is 16 and already a grown man.
Now as careful as I am, I recently failed in the Mommy social media department. Turns out one of my kids blasted on their social network that we were on vacation. UGH! That will not happen again!!!
Like I said, you do not have to be paranoid, just careful. I have taken “Social Media Vacations” when I am home and on vacation. I recommend you choose that option instead. It is good to unplug!
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