Abstract
The diaries of Isabella Robinson figured centrally in one of the most notorious divorce cases of the 19th century, so the risk of self-disclosure through what we write, apparently for our own private purposes, is nothing new. It is certainly not exclusive to social media (just as social media are not exclusive to digital communications). What does stand in contrast to earlier periods is the much greater danger of exposing our lives when we do so online, either because of what we say, thinkingly or unthinkingly, or because of our words being taken up and used against us by others, for reasons of malignity or gain. In examining these dangers, David Brake argues that we face new forms of risk that we are often unaware of or have not yet become adjusted to because norms and conventions of use are gradual in their emergence and establishment. He sets out the risks of disclosing personal information in his second chapter, taking in not only the more obvious ones such as cyberstalking, online predation and cyberbullying but also criminal exploitation, employment harm, government surveillance and social misunderstandings. Brake then goes on to discuss how and why social media interaction is different to other forms of interpersonal exchange before drawing on his own social media experience and research as well as on studies by others around the world. His own research includes in-depth interviews with a range of personal bloggers. A final chapter looks ahead at the ways in which the landscape of social media may change and how we may influence this process for the better. This is a lucidly presented, level-headed and solidly supported intervention in public discussion of the dangers and harms of unwary social media use. Before you enter your next latest postings on Facebook or wherever, you should read Brake’s book. It will make you proceed with more care and caution, as well as convince you of the need for critical digital media literacy among the wide online public.