Ask Meghan: Facebook privacy

Question: Recently, I’ve seen a lot of friends on Facebook post status updates about Google indexing my information with the new privacy changes. What does this mean and what should I do?

Answer: Facebook created a public search listing for every one of its users in 2007. Before Facebook made changes to its privacy settings this week, you had the ability to decide if you wanted to be included in the public search or not. This setting is no different. What is different is the amount of information you share when someone searches your name on Google and your Facebook profile shows up in the results.

(As a REALTOR®, you want to allow Google and other search engines to find you because that is how future clients will find you on Facebook.)

Even if you had changed your privacy settings before, you need to go back in the settings now and decide how much information you want to share with the public. To do this, hover over the “Settings” button on the top right-hand side of your Facebook page and click “Privacy.”

You have five options:

• Profile Information – I recommend changing all of these settings to “Only Friends.” That means you are only allowing people you accepted or invited as a friend to see your information.
• Contact Information – If you are promoting yourself as a REALTOR® on Facebook, you probably want other people to see your information besides “Only Friends.” This is up to you. For “Add me as a friend” and “Send me a message” options, I recommend choosing “Everyone.” This way anyone can click the button to add you as a friend (it’s your decision to accept or ignore) and can also send you a private Facebook e-mail message.
• Applications and Web sites – The most important part of this page is “What your friends can share about you.” This refers to all of the applications and games on Facebook (Mafia Wars, Farmville, sending a Christmas ornament, etc.). I recommend unchecking all of the boxes on this section so your personal information isn’t shared with third party vendors.
• Search – This is where you will find the search engine information. For Facebook search results, I recommend choosing “Everyone” and checking the box that says “Allow” for Google and other search engine indexing.
• Block List – This section allows you to block someone from contacting and finding you on Facebook.

Ultimately, the amount of information you want to share about yourself on Facebook and other social media sites is up to you but remember to take the time to change the settings to your comfort level.