A survey by security firm Norton has revealed that more than half of British adults are so concerned about their online reputation that they would erase everything they have ever posted on the Internet about themselves.
A survey by security firm Norton has revealed that more than half of British adults are so concerned about their online reputation that they would erase everything they have ever posted on the Internet about themselves.
A staggering 35% believe they could never consider a career in politics due to damaging personal material online.
And nearly a quarter of people admit to having posted a photo or personal information that they wouldn't want an employer to see, according to the study.
"We're posting more personal information online than ever before but our attitude to privacy still seems lax," the Daily Mail quoted Sherly Seitz, an Internet security expert at Norton, as saying.
"Once a message or an image is out there, it's very difficult to contain or take back. In other words, think before you post," he added.
"In the last year or two, the emergence of smartphones and tablets in the mainstream market has ushered in a culture of hyper-connectivity and constant sharing.
"We all want to embrace the latest technology, but consumers should stay mindful of the dangers, both personal and professional, of sharing too much and too openly online," Seitz added.
The study revealed a sense of unease among Britons about their online reputation, with over 50 per cent said that they would gladly hit the "reset" button to delete all information about them online.
Some 40% admitted to not actively protecting their reputation and personal information on the Internet.
Of these, 59% "never thought it was an issue", while 20% wouldn't know where to start.
Janice Chaffin, a spokesperson for Symantec, which owns Norton, said: "The digitalaAge is transforming our society by bringing us closer together.
"These survey findings show that, as with any major societal shift, we are in the process of adapting," Chaffin added.
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