Questioning Things: Vol. IV

This survey–from a British marketing firm–determines your “internet age.” Surmising that the web is roughly 16 years old, it’s a 0-16 scale. According to the survey, I’m 11 in internet years. I’m happy to report that internet 5th grade is awesome, though only slightly less awkward than the real thing.

But the survey is largely a waste of time, and will tell you what you already know: you use the web for many things, and you’ve done so for at least a few years. You are, after all, reading a blog (congrats and thank you). So, instead, let me try a different set of questions. If you want (and you ask nicely) I will arbitrarily assign an “internet age” to each of you based on your comments. It’ll be much more fun this way, trust me.

1. Have you ever used a search engine, social networking site, or other online resource to find information about someone you have not met, only to draw conclusions (based on the information you encounter) that proved to be wildly off-base
2. Have you changed your online behavior in the past year in order to protect your real world reputation?  How?
3. Search for your name on Google or another search engine (if your name is…I don’t know, Eric Smith or something…this might not be fruitful):
   1. What’s the funniest entry that appears; one that has nothing to do with you?
   2. What’s the most embarrassing item from your past that appears?
   3. Of the links to your name, is there anything you’re particularly proud of?

So, let’s hear your answers.  My answers after the break…

1. When I found out that Jarred would be my freshman roommate, I immediately Googled him.  What I encountered was the website of a Metallica cover band…in every picture of the band, the drummer (Jarred) was wearing a gorilla mask.  I immediately thought to myself “oh God…this kid’s a freak.”  From Alabama.  Apparently loves Metallica.  Wears a gorilla mask more often than normal (normal being…never).  Turns out, he’s a spectacular, quiet, thoughtful guy.  And his favorite band?  Dave Matthews.  Oh internet, so tricky.
2. I think I’ve slightly modified my online behavior just because I’ve been wary of what I write publicly on this blog and how my online profile reflects on my employer and could effect future job prospects.
3. Here goes:
   1. A YouTube video of a ~3 year-old (who apparently shares my name) girl dressed in a Cookie Monster costume.
   2. A quote from my college’s website when I was interviewed for a political project as a sophomore and I sound like an idiot (I’d like to think I was taken out of context…but it’s probably because I am, in fact, an idiot).
   3. Three published academic works (idiot vindication?).

Image used under a Creative Commons license courtesy of Flickr user altemark.