Getting ready for Graph Search

What you can do to prepare for Facebook’s new search tool

Facebook has almost completed the roll-out of Graph Search, its new search tool which allows users to dig deep into the treasure trove of information that makes up the world’s largest social network. Graph Search is essentially an internal search engine, tapping into all the personal data, photos, and interests that have been posted by Facebook users.

But while Facebook executives have assured us that Graph Search will respect existing privacy settings and only show information that can already be viewed elsewhere on Facebook, there have been concerns that the new tool could surprise or embarrass Facebook users by dragging up information that they thought was buried in the past.

“What people once thought was shared only with their Facebook audience – whether that’s their friends, networks, or the whole public – but figured was too hard to find is now readily available,” said Adi Kamdar, an activist with the Electronic Frontier Foundation.

Imagine you’re a young woman who liked to party at college but is now rapidly climbing the ranks of a highly respected law firm. Some less-than-discrete photos of you were posted on Facebook many years ago but you take comfort from the fact that you deleted them from your own page, and the few remaining images are gathering digital dust at the bottom of your ex-roommate’s Timeline.

With Graph Search, those old pictures are suddenly much more accessible. Depending on how they’re tagged and captioned, a simple search query by a Facebook friend or colleague could bring them abruptly back to life. Suddenly, everything is discoverable, and it all depends on long-forgotten privacy selections just how public those old pictures and posts might be.

So what can a Facebook user do to make sure that old information doesn’t come to light? The simple answer is quite a lot, but it’s not as easy as it sounds.

The current version of Graph Search focuses on four main areas: people, photos, places and interests. The ‘people’ category is the easiest one to review. Just go to the About section on your Timeline and review your personal information. If you don’t want anyone to search for you based on a relationship status of ‘It’s Complicated,’ then you can change the status, leave it blank, or restrict who can see it.

As you review your personal information, make sure that you are comfortable with all your interests, religious and political views, and anything else that might be searchable. Remember, if the public can view it, they can search for it, so make sure your audience selections are part of your review.

The other way Graph Search can capture your interests is through your ‘Likes.’ You can review these by clicking on Likes on your Timeline and then scrolling to the bottom of the page. Here you will find your Likes grouped by year. If you want to remove a Like, just mouse over the relevant icon and a new window will open. Move your mouse to Liked and you will have an option to Unlike.

With places and photos, it becomes harder. There is no magic button or universal privacy setting that will prevent all past check-ins or photos from being discoverable. Instead, it’s a case of going back over every single item you don’t want to be searchable and either deleting it, changing the tags and captions, or varying who can view it. Even if you have hidden something on your Timeline, it will still be discoverable under Graph Search. Use the Activity Log to review all your posts, including the ones you have hidden.

Even if you delete a photo, there is no guarantee that it won’t be discoverable elsewhere on Facebook. If the photo was originally posted by someone else and you don’t want it to be searchable, then you will have to send that person a request to remove it.

Although this early version of Graph Search is limited, it’s clear that everything on Facebook will eventually be searchable. That will include posts, actions under Open Graph apps (e.g. listening to a song), and maybe even comments. It’s also possible that Graph Search will include Instagram, the popular photo social network which is owned by Facebook.

Graph Search is yet another reminder that everything we post on Facebook – and elsewhere on the Internet – is far more accessible than we think, and we need to be very careful about what we do or say on social networks. Although mistakes may eventually fade from memory, they can come back to haunt you at any time.

Comments:

  1. Asking questions are truly pleasant thing if you are not understanding anything completely, however this post offers nice understanding even.

  2. Hi just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know a few of
    the pictures aren’t loading correctly. I’m not sure why but I think its
    a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different web browsers and both show
    the same outcome.

  4. A fascinating discussion is definitely worth comment. I do believe that you need to publish more about this issue, it might not be a
    taboo subject but usually folks don’t discuss these topics.
    To the next! All the best!!

  5. Wow, this paragraph is good, my sister is analyzing these things, thus I
    am going to let know her.

  6. Hello there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found
    that it’s really informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels.
    I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future.
    Many people will be benefited from your writing.
    Cheers!

  7. Remarkable issues here. I’m very satisfied to look your post.
    Thanks a lot and I’m looking forward to contact you.
    Will you please drop me a mail?

  8. Everything is very open with a clear clarification of the challenges.
    It was truly informative. Your website is useful. Thanks for sharing!

  9. I know this site provides quality based articles or
    reviews and additional data, is there any other site which gives these stuff in quality?

  10. What i don’t understood is in reality how you’re no longer actually a lot more neatly-liked than you might be right now.

    You are so intelligent. You understand thus significantly in terms of this
    matter, made me individually believe it from a lot of numerous angles.
    Its like women and men are not involved unless it’s something to accomplish with
    Lady gaga! Your personal stuffs nice. Always care for
    it up!

  11. Heya this is kind of of off topic but I was wanting to know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have
    to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding expertise so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience.
    Any help would be greatly appreciated!

  12. I enjoy what you guys tend to be up too. This type of clever
    work and coverage! Keep up the very good works guys
    I’ve included you guys to blogroll.

  13. Hmm it seems like your blog ate my first comment (it was
    super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying
    your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to everything.
    Do you have any points for rookie blog writers? I’d really appreciate it.

  14. What’s up to all, how is the whole thing, I think every one is getting more from this web page, and your views are
    good designed for new visitors.

  15. Its like you learn my mind! You appear to understand so much about this, such as you wrote the
    guide in it or something. I think that you could do
    with some percent to force the message house a little bit, however instead of that,
    that is wonderful blog. An excellent read. I will definitely be back.

  16. Having read this I thought it was very informative. I appreciate you finding the time
    and effort to put this article together. I once again find myself spending
    a lot of time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worth it!

  17. Hey there fantastic website! Does running a blog similar to this require a great deal of work?
    I’ve no knowledge of computer programming however I was hoping to start my own blog in the near future.
    Anyways, if you have any suggestions or techniques for new blog owners please share.

    I understand this is off topic but I simply had to ask.

    Thanks a lot!

  18. I’ve been surfing online more than 3 hours today, yet I never found
    any interesting article like yours. It’s pretty worth enough for
    me. Personally, if all site owners and bloggers made
    good content as you did, the internet will be a lot more useful than ever before.

  19. Really when someone doesn’t understand afterward its up to other visitors that they will
    help, so here it occurs.

  21. If you wish for to take much from this paragraph then you have to apply these techniques to your won weblog.

  22. I do trust all of the ideas you’ve presented for your post.
    They are very convincing and will definitely work.
    Still, the posts are too brief for beginners. May just you please prolong them a little from next time?
    Thank you for the post.

  23. Good day! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering which
    blog platform are you using for this site?

    I’m getting sick and tired of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers
    and I’m looking at alternatives for another platform.
    I would be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

  24. Do you have a spam issue on this website; I also am a blogger, and I was wondering your
    situation; many of us have developed some nice practices and we are looking to exchange methods with others, please shoot me an email if interested.

  25. After going over a handful of the articles on your website,
    I truly like your technique of writing a blog.

    I saved it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back
    soon. Please check out my web site too and let me know your opinion.

  27. An intriguing discussion is worth comment. I do believe that you need to
    publish more on this issue, it might not be a taboo subject but
    typically people do not talk about these topics. To
    the next! Best wishes!!

  29. Wow that was odd. I just wrote an very long comment but after
    I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Regardless, just wanted to say great blog!

  30. It’s an awesome piece of writing in favor of all the online visitors; they
    will get advantage from it I am sure.

  32. Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Thank
    you, However I am going through issues with your RSS. I don’t understand the reason why I cannot subscribe to it.

    Is there anybody else having identical RSS problems?
    Anybody who knows the answer can you kindly respond?
    Thanks!!

  34. Undeniably believe that which you said. Your favorite justification appeared to
    be on the net the easiest thing to be aware of. I say
    to you, I definitely get annoyed while people consider worries that they
    plainly don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the
    top and also defined out the whole thing without having side-effects , people could take a
    signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thanks

  36. Hi there I am so grateful I found your web
    site, I really found you by accident, while I was searching on Google for something else, Anyhow I am here now and would
    just like to say thanks for a incredible post and
    a all round interesting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to look over it all at the minute but I have book-marked it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have
    time I will be back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the awesome work.

  37. I don’t even know the way I stopped up right here, but
    I believed this put up was great. I don’t understand who you might
    be but definitely you’re going to a well-known blogger in the event you aren’t already.
    Cheers!

  38. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was curious what
    all is needed to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours
    would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very internet smart
    so I’m not 100% sure. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.
    Kudos

  39. Fantastic beat ! I would like to apprentice whilst you amend your website, how could i subscribe for a blog website?
    The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided
    vibrant transparent idea

  40. Very great post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to mention that I have really loved surfing around your blog posts.
    After all I’ll be subscribing on your rss feed and I am hoping you write again soon!

  41. Every weekend i used to pay a quick visit
    this web page, as i wish for enjoyment, as this this web page conations actually pleasant funny information too.

  45. Howdy just wanted to give you a quick heads up.
    The words in your article seem to be running off the screen in Opera.
    I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue or something
    to do with internet browser compatibility but I thought
    I’d post to let you know. The style and design look great though!
    Hope you get the issue resolved soon. Kudos

  46. Hi there! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new apple iphone!
    Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts!
    Keep up the great work!

  48. Hey! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone!
    Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward
    to all your posts! Carry on the superb work!

  49. You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but
    I find this topic to be actually something which I think I would never understand.
    It seems too complex and extremely broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next
    post, I will try to get the hang of it!

  50. Hello, I think your website might be having browser compatibility issues.
    When I look at your blog in Safari, it looks fine but when opening
    in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
    I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, awesome blog!

  51. Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon everyday.
    It’s always interesting to read articles from other writers and practice a little something from their web sites.

  55. Hello! I know this is kinda off topic but I’d figured I’d
    ask. Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest authoring a blog
    article or vice-versa? My blog addresses a lot of the same
    subjects as yours and I feel we could greatly benefit
    from each other. If you happen to be interested feel free to send me
    an email. I look forward to hearing from you! Terrific blog
    by the way!

  56. hello there and thank you for your information –
    I’ve definitely picked up anything new from right here. I did
    however expertise a few technical points using this website, as I experienced
    to reload the site lots of times previous to I could get it to load
    correctly. I had been wondering if your web host is OK?
    Not that I am complaining, but slow loading instances times will
    very frequently affect your placement in google and can damage your quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords.
    Anyway I am adding this RSS to my email and can look out for much more of your respective exciting content.
    Make sure you update this again soon.

  57. Hello there, I discovered your blog via Google
    while searching for a similar subject, your site got here up, it appears good.
    I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
    Hello there, simply became aware of your blog via Google, and located that it’s truly informative.
    I am going to watch out for brussels. I will appreciate for those who proceed
    this in future. A lot of other folks can be benefited
    from your writing. Cheers!

  59. I am curious to find out what blog system you happen to be using?
    I’m having some minor security issues with my latest website and I would like to find something more secure.
    Do you have any solutions?

  60. Howdy! Quick question that’s completely off topic. Do you know how to make
    your site mobile friendly? My weblog looks weird when viewing from my apple iphone.
    I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to resolve this issue.
    If you have any recommendations, please share. Thank you!

  62. Do you mind if I quote a few of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back
    to your blog? My website is in the exact same niche as yours and my users would
    truly benefit from some of the information you present here.
    Please let me know if this alright with you. Thanks!

  66. What i do not understood is in truth how you’re not really much more smartly-appreciated than you may be right now.

    You are so intelligent. You already know therefore significantly in the case
    of this subject, made me in my opinion believe it from so many various angles.
    Its like women and men aren’t involved except it’s something to accomplish with Lady gaga!
    Your own stuffs outstanding. Always take care of it up!

  67. Excellent post. Keep writing such kind of information on your page.
    Im really impressed by your site.
    Hey there, You have done a great job. I will definitely digg it and personally suggest to my friends.
    I am confident they will be benefited from this
    site.

  69. Thanks for your marvelous posting! I actually enjoyed
    reading it, you may be a great author. I will make sure to bookmark your blog and will eventually come back in the foreseeable future.

    I want to encourage that you continue your great job, have a nice day!

  74. I truly love your site.. Very nice colors & theme. Did you build this site
    yourself? Please reply back as I’m planning to create my own personal site and want to find out where you
    got this from or exactly what the theme is called.
    Thank you!

  75. What i don’t realize is actually how you’re not actually much
    more smartly-appreciated than you may be now. You’re very intelligent.
    You already know therefore considerably in terms of this matter,
    made me for my part believe it from so many various angles.
    Its like women and men aren’t fascinated unless it
    is something to accomplish with Woman gaga! Your own stuffs outstanding.
    Always take care of it up!

  76. Hello there! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering
    which blog platform are you using for this website?

    I’m getting tired of WordPress because I’ve had issues
    with hackers and I’m looking at options for another platform.

    I would be great if you could point me in the
    direction of a good platform.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *