Dear Diane,
A friend of mine recently shared some of my personal information on social media without my consent. My sister is ill and experiencing some health-related insurance issues. This friend was not privy to the information first hand but heard “through the grapevine” we needed financial assistance. She took it upon herself to create a crowdfunding page on our behalf. She also shared some very private information that we would have preferred to keep confidential. I do not want to seem ungrateful, but at the same time I am very upset, and my family feels as if their privacy has been invaded. How do I handle this situation and not appear unappreciative of the gesture?
Elizabeth S.
Dear Elizabeth,
I am sorry to hear your sister is having a health crisis. It is always a stressful situation when someone you love is suffering. Add the invasion of privacy aspect, especially on social media, and you can feel completely exposed. You are not ungrateful or unappreciative – you are merely trying to protect your family’s privacy.
Contact Directly
I suggest you contact the friend personally and convey your feelings. Explain how you would have preferred she speak to you before taking such a drastic first step. If you would like her to take it down, don’t hesitate to ask. First of all, however, talk to your sister and see how she wants to proceed.
Tips On Sharing Information
This issue is a good lesson for your friend, unfortunately at the cost of your privacy. Here are some social media etiquette tips as a reminder:
- Don’t post anything online about another individual without their prior consent
- Avoid sharing a picture without permission
- Never ask for money on someone else’s behalf unless you have the green light from the intended recipient
- Personal information should only be offered by the family members unless otherwise requested
- Check your privacy settings to ensure your account is protected and the information shared is only visible to those you desire
- Understand that anything you post privately on social media can be copied and shared, even after you take it down
Sincerely,
Diane
