Online Privacy & Security

There are several major findings in this report. One is this: For help with a variety of common problems, more people turn to the internet than consult experts or family members to provide information and resources.

The practice of "googling" someone is becoming more widespread in today's search engine-driven world.

As is often the case when we release new reports, there are various cycles of commentary that help to deepen the discussion of the findings.

Internet users are becoming more aware of their digital footprint; 47% have searched for information about themselves online, up from just 22% five years ago.

A short overview of recent data from the Pew Internet Project and others on teens and online safety.

The top story on many tech news sites today is Facebook's most recent "about-face" decision to change some of the features of their new Beacon advertising program.

How is Facebook planning to make money?

Girls, teens who post photos or profiles show an increased likelihood to be contacted by people with no connection to them or their friends. Girls are more likely to report contact that made them uncomfortable.

Say what you will about the internet--it's certainly helped narrow the line between "doing something stupid" and "doing something stupid in front of millions of witnesses who will now proceed to publicly mock you."

I logged into my Facebook account the other day to check on something, and I flicked over to my friend requests page after noticing that there was a new one. It was (allegedly) from Carl Kasell, NPR radio personality.