Facebook announced a few days ago that users can no longer choose to be anonymous in searches - http://searchenginewatch.com/article/2300217/Facebook-Users-Can-No-Longer-Remain-Anonymous-in-Search. What does that mean for you? Well, you will show up in searches done by anyone - a criminal, hacker, stalker.... You can still hide your posts from people outside your circle. But there's nothing stopping people from finding you on Facebook. The only option is to delete your account.
It's interesting that while more and more users are seeking anonymity, traditional social media sites like Facebook are making it harder to be even private. Which is why there's a widespread trend to turn to anonymous social media sites like SocialNumber.com. I had posted a blog on a recent study by Pew Research a few weeks ago in which a vast majority of respondents admitted they they try to hide their identity on social media - http://thesocialnumber.blogspot.com/2013/09/86-of-internet-users-have-tried-to-hide.html
This trend is expected to continue as users are having meaningful and candid conversations on sites like SocialNumber.com where there are no repercussions and according to users it's quite liberating.
Join the movement of anonymity and express yourself freely.
- M.K.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Express grievances on traditional social media like Facebook - NOT!
A recent New York Post article talked about issues with posting grievances on social media sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and others - http://nypost.com/2013/10/13/should-you-air-work-grievances-on-social-media/. The article highlights many examples of people who complained about their compensation or other issues online and got fired. There are a lot of disgruntled workers out there who want to vent their frustrations. But, expressing these feelings on the traditional social media is not a brilliant idea. You are completely exposed and your co-workers, boss, and pretty much everyone else can read your posts. Not only your current boss or HR person can be offended resulting in your termination, your future employers could also hold your comments against you and you might not get the job due to your dis-loyalty to your previous employer.
Traditional social media is good for basic updates that are innocuous. Anything controversial or of personal nature should be completely avoided. That's why more and more users are switching to anonymous social media sites like SocialNumber.com where they can talk about any thing they want and vent their frustrations without any negative implications. On SocialNumber.com, where you are just a number that you get by signing up on the site, no one knows your true identity and you can express yourself freely. For example, users have created a group called Bad Bosses - http://socialnumber.com/discussion/reports-being-born where they talk about their frustrations against their bosses. It's an open discussion and users give advice to one another without any one revealing their or their bosses identities.
Anonymous social media is truly the platform for freedom of expression.
- M.K.
Traditional social media is good for basic updates that are innocuous. Anything controversial or of personal nature should be completely avoided. That's why more and more users are switching to anonymous social media sites like SocialNumber.com where they can talk about any thing they want and vent their frustrations without any negative implications. On SocialNumber.com, where you are just a number that you get by signing up on the site, no one knows your true identity and you can express yourself freely. For example, users have created a group called Bad Bosses - http://socialnumber.com/discussion/reports-being-born where they talk about their frustrations against their bosses. It's an open discussion and users give advice to one another without any one revealing their or their bosses identities.
Anonymous social media is truly the platform for freedom of expression.
- M.K.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
86% of Internet users have tried to hide their identity online and be anonymous
Anonymity continues to be a big issue for most users who go online. According to a recent Pew Research study, underwritten by Carnegie Mellon University(http://www.pewinternet.org/~/media//Files/Reports/2013/PIP_AnonymityOnline_090513.pdf), 86% of adult Internet users have taken steps from time to time to avoid surveillance by other
people or organizations when they were using the Internet. The survey also revealed that 59% of Internet users do not believe it is possible to be completely anonymous online. About a quarter to a third of the respondents have either not used the site if it asked for their real identity or used a temporary email address to post comments.
When it comes to social media, users are starting to realize that they cannot have meaningful discussions on mainstream media because they fully exposed with their real identity and anything they post can come back to haunt them. This is especially true for sensitive and taboo topics like relationship issues, dealing with a bad boss, substance abuse, sex issues, politics, and many others. And that's the advantage of using anonymous social media sites like Socialnumber.com. You can have detailed discussions on any topic without ever revealing your true identity. You get your own number on the site and that social number is your only identity. You can truly express your freely.
Here's one of the many recent comments on how users are enjoying the site:
"And again, many thanks for this site. I've probably had the best enlightening, motivating and entertaining conversation of my life at this site."
- M.K.
people or organizations when they were using the Internet. The survey also revealed that 59% of Internet users do not believe it is possible to be completely anonymous online. About a quarter to a third of the respondents have either not used the site if it asked for their real identity or used a temporary email address to post comments.
When it comes to social media, users are starting to realize that they cannot have meaningful discussions on mainstream media because they fully exposed with their real identity and anything they post can come back to haunt them. This is especially true for sensitive and taboo topics like relationship issues, dealing with a bad boss, substance abuse, sex issues, politics, and many others. And that's the advantage of using anonymous social media sites like Socialnumber.com. You can have detailed discussions on any topic without ever revealing your true identity. You get your own number on the site and that social number is your only identity. You can truly express your freely.
Here's one of the many recent comments on how users are enjoying the site:
"And again, many thanks for this site. I've probably had the best enlightening, motivating and entertaining conversation of my life at this site."
- M.K.
Sunday, August 11, 2013
NSA, Patriot Act, Snowden, Lavabit - Is U.S. Govt pushing the envelope too much?
You can debate the Snowden story various different ways. Is he a Traitor? Is he a Hero? You can argue both sides pretty effectively depending on your vantage point. One thing is for sure - most Americans are feeling uneasy about invasion of privacy by the government agencies.
There is one country in the World that can claim to be the true friend of "freedom of speech". And, that's the good old U.S. of A. However, recent events surrounding Snowden revelations around the NSA spying scandal have scarred that claim. Where there's smoke there's fire. There are a lot of interesting and shocking facts in Snowden's disclosures. Even President Obama has promised NSA surveillance reforms (http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/aug/09/obama-nsa-surveillance-reforms-press-conference).
Ladar Levison, Owner of Lavabit, a free secure email service used by Snowden, posted a letter on Socialnumber.com (http://socialnumber.com/discussion/become-complicit-crimes-against-american-people-or-walk-away-ten-years-hard-work) informing users that he had decided to suspend his service to protect Americans from "crimes against them". This move, apparently was driven by a secret NSA search warrant with a gag order (hint: Patriot Act = Govt can kill your constitutional rights anytime it wants).
Anyway, we hope Ladar will be able to pursue this legally and get his operations back up and running. Anonymous sites like Lavabit, Socialnumber.com and others allow users to express themselves freely which is a right guaranteed by the Constitution. Freedom of speech is desperately needed not only in the U.S. but around the globe. I hope the U.S. Government can keep a proper balance between going after the terrorists to protect citizens and protecting constitutional rights of the citizens.
- M.K.
There is one country in the World that can claim to be the true friend of "freedom of speech". And, that's the good old U.S. of A. However, recent events surrounding Snowden revelations around the NSA spying scandal have scarred that claim. Where there's smoke there's fire. There are a lot of interesting and shocking facts in Snowden's disclosures. Even President Obama has promised NSA surveillance reforms (http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/aug/09/obama-nsa-surveillance-reforms-press-conference).
Ladar Levison, Owner of Lavabit, a free secure email service used by Snowden, posted a letter on Socialnumber.com (http://socialnumber.com/discussion/become-complicit-crimes-against-american-people-or-walk-away-ten-years-hard-work) informing users that he had decided to suspend his service to protect Americans from "crimes against them". This move, apparently was driven by a secret NSA search warrant with a gag order (hint: Patriot Act = Govt can kill your constitutional rights anytime it wants).
Anyway, we hope Ladar will be able to pursue this legally and get his operations back up and running. Anonymous sites like Lavabit, Socialnumber.com and others allow users to express themselves freely which is a right guaranteed by the Constitution. Freedom of speech is desperately needed not only in the U.S. but around the globe. I hope the U.S. Government can keep a proper balance between going after the terrorists to protect citizens and protecting constitutional rights of the citizens.
- M.K.
Sunday, August 4, 2013
What you post on social media can come back and haunt you
A recent survey by Lawyers.com reveals that most people don't think of the consequences before they post on social media like Twitter, Facebook, and others.
"The reason why it's a wake-up call is because the
study indicates that more than half the people out there who use social media
don't realize that what they post on social media can be used against them in a
court of a law, and to me that's a big surprise," said Zimmerman.
Even if you don't think it has an legal implications, it can come back and haunt you. For example, your posts can be subpoenaed at any point. Also, if you checked in online that can be held against you in case.
Online posts can also get you in trouble with your boss.
"When you work for somebody you have the right not to be discriminated against your race, your gender, your sex, your ethnicity, where you were born - the protected class things federal law protects, but you don't have the right to be stupid," said Zimmerman.
One more reason to move away from the mainstream social media and start using anonymous social media websites like socialnumber.com. Facebook, and Twitter are good for harmless status updates on your birthday, family pictures etc. But when it comes to discuss real issues online the only safe way is to do it anonymously.
- M.K.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Where to discuss substance abuse issues anonymously?
According to Government estimates, there are over 40M U.S. citizens suffering from substance abuse (http://www.samhsa.gov/data/NSDUH/2k11State/NSDUHsaeTables2011.pdf_) many of whom are teenagers. While there are many support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous to help people fight their addictions, it's not always convenient to go to these meetings on a frequent basis. Most people don't have the courage to admit that they have an addicition.
People would love to discuss these types of issues online without revealing their identities. Mainstream media like Facebook, Twitter, Quora, LinkedIn, and others are not the right places to discuss these things. Why? Because everyone knows who you are! That's where sites like socialnumber.com can play a big role as online psychiatrists or support groups with full anonymity. Feel free to discuss any taboo topics and get feedback from other like-minded people.
- M.K.
People would love to discuss these types of issues online without revealing their identities. Mainstream media like Facebook, Twitter, Quora, LinkedIn, and others are not the right places to discuss these things. Why? Because everyone knows who you are! That's where sites like socialnumber.com can play a big role as online psychiatrists or support groups with full anonymity. Feel free to discuss any taboo topics and get feedback from other like-minded people.
- M.K.
Monday, May 27, 2013
Facebook fatigue as teens move to anonymous social media
According to a recent study by Pew Internet and American Life Project, there are clear signs of Facebook fatigue among teenagers. Other studies have found the same trend across the board as people are getting tired of meaningless posts like "I am drinking coffee" or "My McDonald's burger tasted great". It also seems that the mainstream social media has taken away our ability to have interesting conversations.
It's not because we don't have exciting conversations left inside us. The reason for boring and trivial postings is simple. People just don't feel comfortable expressing their true feelings on social media due to possible ramifications. If you say something against your boss or company, you may get reprimanded or worse get fired. If you talk about your political affiliation, you might piss off your colleagues, bosses, or even family members. You certainly can't talk about sex, disputes with your significant others, your thoughts on religion/God, your addiction issues, and many other taboo topics.
Teenagers are usually facing a lot more emotional issues as they go through this volatile phase of life. A lot of them have strong feelings about various topics or need advice but are afraid to. This is where sites like Socialnumber.com allows them a platform to express themselves freely and seek advice on any topic they want. Some of the recent discussions on socialnumber.com include topics of college dating, sexual feelings for others, and even looking for advice to avoid suicidal thoughts. This is very powerful. You can get free advice from people who genuinely care without ever revealing your true identity. It's like getting multiple psychiatrists to help you with complete confidentiality.
Anonymous social media is a revolutionary concept that is starting to get hold and we'll see a massive adoption as people burn out from reading about their friends' eating routines.
- M.K.
It's not because we don't have exciting conversations left inside us. The reason for boring and trivial postings is simple. People just don't feel comfortable expressing their true feelings on social media due to possible ramifications. If you say something against your boss or company, you may get reprimanded or worse get fired. If you talk about your political affiliation, you might piss off your colleagues, bosses, or even family members. You certainly can't talk about sex, disputes with your significant others, your thoughts on religion/God, your addiction issues, and many other taboo topics.
Teenagers are usually facing a lot more emotional issues as they go through this volatile phase of life. A lot of them have strong feelings about various topics or need advice but are afraid to. This is where sites like Socialnumber.com allows them a platform to express themselves freely and seek advice on any topic they want. Some of the recent discussions on socialnumber.com include topics of college dating, sexual feelings for others, and even looking for advice to avoid suicidal thoughts. This is very powerful. You can get free advice from people who genuinely care without ever revealing your true identity. It's like getting multiple psychiatrists to help you with complete confidentiality.
Anonymous social media is a revolutionary concept that is starting to get hold and we'll see a massive adoption as people burn out from reading about their friends' eating routines.
- M.K.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Anonymous social media for Healthcare
I was reading about an anonymous social media site focused on healthcare. They allow doctors and patients to share discussions about specific symptoms. Anonymously. Great idea. The world of social media is moving very fast toward more privacy and anonymity when it comes to sharing discussions on social networks. And that's the great thing about socialnumber.com that allows anonymous discussions across any topic - Healthcare, Substance abuse, Sex, Spouse, Bad Bosses, Global Warming, Politics - whether it's rebels against Syrian Govt, dissenters of Chinese government, or Palestine/Israel supporters, Relgion, and various other topics.
Unlike Facebook or other social media sites, where you can talk about birthdays, your day at the beach, and awards you won, anonymous social media sites allow you to discuss the real aspects of your lives. Which you wouldn't dream of putting on mainstream social media. Because there are repurcussions. You can't even say whether you are a Democrat or a Republication without some implications from your colleagues, bosses, or relatives.
The whole point of anonymous social media is to have the ability to express yourself freely - regardless of the topic.
- M.K.
Unlike Facebook or other social media sites, where you can talk about birthdays, your day at the beach, and awards you won, anonymous social media sites allow you to discuss the real aspects of your lives. Which you wouldn't dream of putting on mainstream social media. Because there are repurcussions. You can't even say whether you are a Democrat or a Republication without some implications from your colleagues, bosses, or relatives.
The whole point of anonymous social media is to have the ability to express yourself freely - regardless of the topic.
- M.K.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Social Media and Privacy Issues
Privacy continues to be a huge concern as mainstream Social Media companies look to mine the user data to enhance their revenue streams. Senate Majority Leader Ellen M. Corbett, D-San Leandro is introducing another bill to protect consumers' privacy rights after losing her last bill two years ago do heavy lobbying by Facebook, Twitter, and others.
Another report by Piper Jaffray discovered that social media sites like Facebook are losing luster with the teens. In general, there seems to be a general burnout from these types of social networking sites where everything is open and there is no privacy.
More and more users are moving toward sites like socialnumber.com so they can express themselves freely without any repercussions. They can discuss any topics from global warming to cold-hearted bosses, from sex to politics, from religion to atheism, just to name a few.
We hope that Ellen Corbett is successful in getting her bill passed. Even if she doesn't, users can make their own choice by moving to sites like socialnumber.com where they don't have to worry about privacy issues at all - bill or no bill.
M.K.
Another report by Piper Jaffray discovered that social media sites like Facebook are losing luster with the teens. In general, there seems to be a general burnout from these types of social networking sites where everything is open and there is no privacy.
More and more users are moving toward sites like socialnumber.com so they can express themselves freely without any repercussions. They can discuss any topics from global warming to cold-hearted bosses, from sex to politics, from religion to atheism, just to name a few.
We hope that Ellen Corbett is successful in getting her bill passed. Even if she doesn't, users can make their own choice by moving to sites like socialnumber.com where they don't have to worry about privacy issues at all - bill or no bill.
M.K.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Share your discussions against Syrian Govt anonymously
I feel gratified when I see people who have been crushed by their governments are able to finally express themselves on a platform like Socialnumber.com. Being anonymous helps in really sharing your thoughts and feelings without the government throwing you in prison. Freedom of speech that we take for granted in the United States is a foreign concept in a lot of countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. People can't publicy say anything that is against the government even if they completely disagree.
Since Socialnumber.com allows completely anonymity and you are just a number, users are able to truly say how they feel. Where else could the Syrian rebels or anyone for that matter could say something like this on a group (including Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter or any other social media site) without worrying about repurcussions.
"This guy can't be serious. What a jerk! He needs to take his family and leave the country before he has Saddam's fate...." - they are talking about Assad of course.
Freedom of speech can be so liberating..
M.K.
Since Socialnumber.com allows completely anonymity and you are just a number, users are able to truly say how they feel. Where else could the Syrian rebels or anyone for that matter could say something like this on a group (including Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter or any other social media site) without worrying about repurcussions.
"This guy can't be serious. What a jerk! He needs to take his family and leave the country before he has Saddam's fate...." - they are talking about Assad of course.
Freedom of speech can be so liberating..
M.K.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Facebook privacy issues continue
As I was reading this article on privacy issues in social media - http://www.dailytargum.com/opinion/columnists/social-networking-gives-false-sense-of-privacy/article_28c0ad14-8c53-11e2-908c-001a4bcf6878.html, I started to wonder why people put up this invasion of privacy. Then I realized that it was because people didn't know.
And I found this part from the article rather interesting - "...The fact of the matter is, regardless of the category, all of these friends have access to all your so-called private stuff on these social networking sites. Especially if you are an individual in the public domain, any of your interests can be used as a weapon against you, whether it is your interest in women with big booties or your open prejudice against a particular group."
And that's why we created SocialNumber.com, an anonymous social media site where you don't have to worry about people peeking in and finding out all the details about you. While sharing works for your basic updates like job status, where you are traveling (although I'd question this one), how you spent your weekend etc., it doesn't quite work for more personal information like your personal feelings about your boss, your spouse, your siblings, and even your parents. You need a place where you can express yourself freely without any repercussions.
And, I liked the way the writer Vaishali Gauba summarized it - "... But don’t let social networking become the one entity that knows everything about you. You can very legitimately demand privacy from a social network in the same way you demand privacy from people. So don’t be an open book, maintain your space and don’t be too quick to post pictures. Who knows — the social network might clash with your professional network, too."
And, believe me, because of these reasons, Anonymous Social Media is truly liberating it. Try it.
M.K.
And I found this part from the article rather interesting - "...The fact of the matter is, regardless of the category, all of these friends have access to all your so-called private stuff on these social networking sites. Especially if you are an individual in the public domain, any of your interests can be used as a weapon against you, whether it is your interest in women with big booties or your open prejudice against a particular group."
And that's why we created SocialNumber.com, an anonymous social media site where you don't have to worry about people peeking in and finding out all the details about you. While sharing works for your basic updates like job status, where you are traveling (although I'd question this one), how you spent your weekend etc., it doesn't quite work for more personal information like your personal feelings about your boss, your spouse, your siblings, and even your parents. You need a place where you can express yourself freely without any repercussions.
And, I liked the way the writer Vaishali Gauba summarized it - "... But don’t let social networking become the one entity that knows everything about you. You can very legitimately demand privacy from a social network in the same way you demand privacy from people. So don’t be an open book, maintain your space and don’t be too quick to post pictures. Who knows — the social network might clash with your professional network, too."
And, believe me, because of these reasons, Anonymous Social Media is truly liberating it. Try it.
M.K.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Anonymous Social Media - Some examples of how people express themselves
When you are able to express yourself freely, you think different.
Here are just a few examples of how people are expressing themselves on SocialNumber.com, the only true anonymous social media site:
There is this girl that is basically the girl of my life....with her I don't have to pretend nothing, and she said she loves me back...but nothing in my life can be this good, she is 200 km away and now he has a boyfriend.....this really sucks, I can't do anything.....
I'm increasingly thinking about a career change. I'm not sure if it's a good idea. It is truly a
huge decision. I've been at a job I love for more than 25 yrs. There comes a time for change in every life. Is it time for mine?
What happened to the simple fun we used to have? Too much stress for everything...
You wouldn't normally say these things and a lot more on any other social media site. On SocialNumber.com, you don't have to worry about any repercussions so you can truly express yourself about anything.
M.K.
Here are just a few examples of how people are expressing themselves on SocialNumber.com, the only true anonymous social media site:
There is this girl that is basically the girl of my life....with her I don't have to pretend nothing, and she said she loves me back...but nothing in my life can be this good, she is 200 km away and now he has a boyfriend.....this really sucks, I can't do anything.....
I'm increasingly thinking about a career change. I'm not sure if it's a good idea. It is truly a
huge decision. I've been at a job I love for more than 25 yrs. There comes a time for change in every life. Is it time for mine?
What happened to the simple fun we used to have? Too much stress for everything...
You wouldn't normally say these things and a lot more on any other social media site. On SocialNumber.com, you don't have to worry about any repercussions so you can truly express yourself about anything.
M.K.
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Why Anonymous Social Media is Important
Raised Eyebrows - that's what I get whenever I mention Anonymous Social Media. Why would you want that? Well, it's social media turned upside down. When you connect with people you know on social media you still act the same way as you would in real life - PC (Politically Correct for those of you who live a sheltered life), boring stuff. You can't express yourself freely because you don't know what the repercussions are going to be.
Everyday we hear stories about people losing their jobs, marriages, and relationships because they posted something on their facebook. There is absolutely no privacy and you are being watched every social media moment of your life. So instead of expressing your thougths you are again a prisoner of social restrictions.
Enter anonymous social media. When you know you are anonymous, you can truly express yourself. For example, on SocialNumber.com you are just a number. Your anonymity helps you to be free and say what you want. You can express yourself on your expressions page or join/create a group on any topic and start discussions. You can also connect with other friends based on their interests and completely anonymously.
How are people using their expressions on SocialNumber.com?. A lot different interesting ways... more on this later..
M.K.
Everyday we hear stories about people losing their jobs, marriages, and relationships because they posted something on their facebook. There is absolutely no privacy and you are being watched every social media moment of your life. So instead of expressing your thougths you are again a prisoner of social restrictions.
Enter anonymous social media. When you know you are anonymous, you can truly express yourself. For example, on SocialNumber.com you are just a number. Your anonymity helps you to be free and say what you want. You can express yourself on your expressions page or join/create a group on any topic and start discussions. You can also connect with other friends based on their interests and completely anonymously.
How are people using their expressions on SocialNumber.com?. A lot different interesting ways... more on this later..
M.K.
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