You know, there’s always a cost associated with the technology that we use. I think it’s never been more apparent than with the big Four Square and Gowalla craze.
You see, as one site has figured out, the moment you check-in anywhere but your house you’re instantly a target for theft: PleaseRobMe.com.
Wow. Yes. Really.
Essentially it displays real-time notifications from people using Foursquare about the fact that they are not at home.
Pwned.
For us in ministry, privacy has always been a big concern. I think watching how we use technology and how to use it safely goes hand-in-hand with what we do on a daily basis.
Fascinating, right?
I’m currently not a FourSquare user or Gowalla (anymore, that is). Is this something that concerns you?
Location-based technology is great, but not at the cost of getting my house robbed.
Ben Dyer says
Except there’s a very simple solution: DON’T CHECK IN AT HOME! 🙂
I never understood that anyway, even as an earlier user of Gowalla. Why would you mark where your house is? Forget being robbed, I’d just find it creepy if anyone else checked in there who was driving around, or maybe someone in the same apartment complex.
Like most other things online, a little common sense goes a long way.
John Saddington says
ahahhahaha.
Calum Henderson says
Wow!
That is really scary. Makes me think about being more careful when I use social media!
brett barner says
I don’t use either of these social networks, but it’s not for any type of security issues. First let me say that yes, we should be alert and aware of what we put on the internet, and yes, security is still a cause for concern.
To throw another opinion into the mix: (and remember, this is from a guy who doesn’t use these sites)
If someone wanted to rob your house, there would be plenty of other ways to tell if you’re there beyond geo-location web apps.
Think of how many times we tweet “Headed to…”, or show on LinkedIn that we have an office job, or upload mobile pics, or how we continually aren’t home from 9-5 Mon-Fri.
Yes, of course, be smart, but if you’re nervous about robbers finding out you aren’t home through social networks, then I suggest you unplug and stay home. Because that’s the only way you’ll be 100% safe. And if we’re honest, not even then
Sorry for the rant, but just wanted to share my opposing $.02 view.
dannyjbixby says
Agreed.
A little common sense goes a long way.
Even if we never tweeted anything about where we are or where we’re headed, chances are good that we’re always away from home for a solid 8-9 hours in the middle of the day…
John Saddington says
i like 2cents.
Nick Shoemaker says
Straight up Brett! Most home invasions happen during the week, during normal work hours. And if anyone really wanted to rob a house, all they have to do is a little research (I believe it’s called “casing”).
Lock you doors- always (even the one from the garage to the house- garage doors are easay to hack). Leave lights on at night (get energy efficient bulbs if you’re really concerned about the bill- you should have em already anyways sucka). Lock your doors. (Yeah- I said it twice, because people still don’t do it.)
I actually kinda wrote about self-security a while back here.
Be safe out there. 🙂
Ryan says
Although this looks scary, I think that the chances are just as high that someone is going to be hanging out by your house waiting for you to head out… I don’t know if this is a huge deal.
John Saddington says
yeah. def.
Andy Darnell says
for reasons such as this, I no longer tweet or update my out of town locations. If I am heading out of town for work, I do not mention that anymore. This was something that my wife and I discussed a while back. There really is no reason for me to inform the world that I’m on a plane headed for San Diego, and will be gone all week.
John Saddington says
dude. i love that you involved your wife.
dannyjbixby says
1) Pwned
2) That is some genius innovation right there. I mean really, pretty impressive, imo.
3) ew
John Saddington says
weww
Steven Rossi says
I’d rather someone use my check-in information to rob my house than to come and find me and beat me up, but maybe that’s just personal preference.
Anyway, I haven’t gotten into those location-based check-in things yet. Maybe I will someday, but for now I’m just not drawn to them.
Nick Shoemaker says
I use foursquare. But my house location isn’t on it. So I’m with Ben Dyer- don’t check in at home.
There are places that I don’t check in at ever: the bank, personal residences, anywhere public that I’m having a meeting or date with my wife (not that I have a huge base of stalkers or paparazzi following me)- essentially any place that I wouldn’t want to have some random person come up to me and say “Hey! Didn’t you just check in here?”.
Bottom line: Common sense.
John Saddington says
common sense ftw!
Travis Fish says
Wow. This could be so useful to theives. I’m glad I have roommates.
John Saddington says
i have my wife.
Scott Magdalein says
My dad asked me about this tonight when I was telling him about a new iPhone app project I’m consulting on. It’s location-based gaming on a new level.
He asked me if it’s dangerous.
I said, “Yes, but not more dangerous than the White Pages and a patiently waiting psycho.” Probably not the best answer.
John Saddington says
PUAHAHAHAH!
new game? i want deets!