Classmates.com, does everyone really need to see my yearbook?

Image via stock.xchng

Whenever you open your email, you find little surprises. Whether it be news from a friend, information about yet another activity for your child, worked-related chatter, a sale ad for your favorite store, or that spam from a list you swear you have already removed yourself from, you always find something new morning, noon, and night. A couple of days ago, I received a real treat. A treat as in like why on Earth am I being sent this information and honestly it turns me off from your site treat.

My treat was a little email from Classmates. com asking me: "Is that you on page blah-blah-blah of your high school yearbook?" I mean seriously, you are pointing to me specifically in my yearbook. Well, of course, I had to see this. Sure enough, Classmates.com had identified me on a page of my yearbook and from a page where I am not identified in the photo nonetheless. How did that happen? A little creepy, don't you think?

I am not very comfortable with the fact that Classmates.com is identifying pictures of me. Really, do people need to be seeing pictures of me from a decade--ok, almost two--ago? Those are my pictures and mine to share. Yes, it is fun to reminisce and look at myself and my friends back in the day. (I went to high school with Kal Penn, so it can be neat to look through my yearbook. Don't worry, Kal! I won't post your pictures!) But, do those pictures really need to be so accessible on the internet?

Hmmmmm........



Image via stock.xchng

Am I totally mad at Classmates.com for trying to be innovative? No, not really. But, I am wondering how many people are thrilled that their yearbook photos are so easily viewable. When we took those photos, we had no idea that they would end up in so public of forums. We had no concept not only because we were young but because the internet was not as pervasive as it is today. Sharing of information can be quite positive (as evidenced by so many wonderful sources that inform us about neat products, activities, attractions, etc.). However, sometimes the sharing is in overdrive. Seriously, are these yearbook photos adding to society?

I just marvel at the fact of how much there is out there that we do not know about. Thank goodness I have never done anything truly scandalous! Well, maybe I just haven't read about it yet.....