Who’s Watching You on Twitter?
September 10, 2008 by Lyn Mettler
Filed under All, PR, social media
Although in theory I understand that anyone in the world can see my Twitter posts, I tend to forget that on a day-to-day basis as I reveal my thoughts to the world. Well, my friends, don’t forget. I was reminded today in a very funny, and shocking, way!
Sure, you realize that anyone can “follow” your tweets and read what you say, but did you know that by going to Twitter’s search function (formerly Summize) you can find what anyone is tweeting about? Additionally, tweets now come up in the main search engines. I have a Google alert set up for myself and my companies (something everyone should do), and every day it shows me some of my tweets from the day before.
Well, apparently, a New York Times blogger who was writing about the new game show “Hole in the Wall” searched on Twitter to see what folks were saying about it. He found my tweet about what a crazy concept it is, but how I was still compelled to watch and used it in his blog post.
So not only is Twitter great for business, apparently it can get you media coverage too. Pressure’s on now to say something clever and insightful, huh?
I was also reminded how transparent I am making myself on Twitter the other day after I met someone I follow and who follows me on Twitter at a presentation I was giving. I regularly tweet about a hip hop dance exercise class I go to. He said to me “The whole time you were presenting all I could think about was your hip hop moves.” Which, believe me, is probably not a pretty image. Anyway, I thought that was really funny, as I do forget how much I am putting out there to people, many of whom, I’ve never even met.
Anyone had a similar experience with something you posted on Twitter?
I have had a nagging worry about the possibility of stalkers using it to track activities. Have you heard any negative stories?
I have not, but that has got to be a concern for some. Have you heard about Brightkite? It is like Twitter except you log your location so you can see if there’s anyone you know around you at any given place. That could really be ripe for stalkers.
That is a new one on me. I may be overly cautious but it worries me that you can’t tell who is tracking your messages and in this case locations.
Even on my blog I tend to talk about things after I’ve done them rather than announce where I plan to be.
I have such a chaotic social job though, I like my private life to me more of a refuge. It is an interesting dilemma.
Hi Lyn! Twitter is certainly amazing. Thanks for sharing the insights. Love what you have created here!
Rex