Pew Study Shows Questionable Online Privacy Concerns

A recent Pew study shows that 47 percent of American adults have conducted self-searches online in search of their “digital footprints.” Surprisingly, however, the study further reflects that privacy is not a top concerns among even that 47 percent. Of that group, only a few respondents make a regular habit of checking in on their online identities.

Even more surprising, respondents to the survey are not overly concerned with the amount of personal information available about them online:

“Fully 60% of internet users say they are not worried about how much information is available about them online. Similarly, the majority of online adults (61%) do not feel compelled to limit the amount of information that can be found about them online.”

These are interesting results, particularly in light of the recent uproar surrounding the privacy concerns raised by the Facebook Beacon. The controversial “social advertising” tool raised the hackles of privacy advocates concerned that their personal purchases were being broadcast to their Facebook network.