Google Yourself
June 23, 2010 
9 Comments
Do you know how much anyone can find out about you by doing a simple web search? You may be shocked to discover just how much of your personal information is quickly and easily accessible to anyone online.
While this information may not be harmful, in some situations you could put yourself at risk by not knowing what is out there. For instance, someone can find out your name, address, and directions to your house just by entering your phone number in a simple web search. If you are selling something in a newspaper or on Craigslist and you give your home phone number to a potential buyer, be aware that they could easily find your house.
Another thing to consider when looking at your public web content is its impact on your reputation. Are you applying for a job or to a university? Most institutions will search for information about you on the web when reviewing your application. You will want to know if your friend’s blog still has those old Spring Break pictures of you posted, and kindly ask him to take them down!
Google yourself to find out what is out there. To get the most accurate and complete search results, enter search terms such as your name, email address, home and work address, and phone numbers in a variety of ways. Also, put quotes around your search terms. This tells the search engine to find a specific phrase just how you wrote it, and will make your search more efficient.
- First name and last name: “Will Bolding”
- First, middle, and last name: “Will Edward Bolding”
- Last name followed by a comma and your first name: “Bolding, Will”
- Last name followed by a comma, your first name and middle name: “Bolding, Will Edward”
- Street address: “2521 Street Address Lane”
- Phone number (using no spaces or hyphens searches all instances of your number): “9195554444”
- Email address: “boldingsoccer@email.com”
If you do find any information that you do not want publicly available, you can ask the website to remove that information. Keep in mind that they are not always obligated to comply with your request. If you need help negotiating with a website, you can contact WiredSafety.org, and they will be able to advise you on your specific case.
You might feel comfortable with the information that is posted about you online, but as the web is constantly growing and changing, it is a good idea to Google yourself regularly and stay informed on what anyone can find out about you by simply searching the web.
Great article. I learned a lot about me that I would not want a robber to know.
I typed in my home phone and found my address D:
I never knew it was so ez to get in to some body personal info my new found goodsence
is telling
me to keep looking
Don’t create a Google Account or as soon as someone enters your name it will show first in the relevancy. If the profile is positive don’t worry. If the profile has things you don’t want say an employer to see don’t put your name in it.
I put my comcast email in to google (that is the email I use on my resume) and my comcast home page came up. It’s all about heavy metal and horror so that’s not bad but a potential employer doesnt need to know that stuff.
Iteresting…… And scary at the same time…..
.., open a Google account…,? Not no, Please! thanks..,