Photo recognised by stranger.

Exactly- we don't know. Do those who hate FB and keep off it know they are quite likely to be on there if they comment on GN?

For example I can tell you exactly which GNetters still use the Be-Ro cook book from FB.
by accessing the link from FB

But you can see who uses the Bero cookery book by looking at the GN active page - then you could create a username and log into GN anyway.

Has the FB GN page got more people looking at it than the GN Active page?
We don't know.

I use the McDougall's cookery book myself!

Your GN name will be on all your comments on the threads posted by GN. For example I can tell you exactly which GNetters still use the Be-Ro cook book from FB. You can then of course log into GN and look at the profile. My original point is that you may hate FB but if you comment on GN you may be on there for anyone to read with your GN name- therefore if you want to be private don't write a profile and definitely don't put photos.

Unless, of course, you have started a thread and GN will use your OP in the FB post.

depending on which threads you have contributed to your views may well be on there because gransnet just link threads

Your views are not actually on Facebook itself unless you have written a comment on there as a FB contributor using your FB name. There is a link, however, to certain threads (not all) at the top of the FB posts.

Anyone can join GN and read posts and look at profiles anyway.

The moral is don't put antthing on social media that you don't mind being shared because it can end up in places you hadn't imagined!

You may hate Facebook grannyinmypocket but depending on which threads you have contributed to your views may well be on there because gransnet just link threads- all they have to do us then log into gransnet and read your profile- at least you don't have a photo -but you may have enough information - coupled with what you write to be identified by some.

Just be very careful with any social media. Have privacy settings high, don't sign in with FaceBook etc and don't put a profile with any pictures on Gransnet. Realise that any threads in here can end up on Facebook or Twitter. Keep your photo off places like TripAdvisor.

I don't think the woman's behaviour was weird. Its not something I would personally do, but she was probably holding on to the photos to alleviate being bored or lonely, and identifying one of her photo's probably made her day.
I registered with Facebook years ago, but mindful of internet security, or lack of it, I didn't use my correct date of birth.
Only snag with that was that when I next went to log in I couldn't remember what date I used!
I contacted Facebook to explain my problem and to prove who I was they instructed me to furnish them with a copy of my Passport AND a copy of my Driving Licence.
I kid you not.

I hate hate hate Facebook, I know it has good points, but I know people that have had, and caused lots of trouble on it, it's far too public

Imagine how difficult it will continue to be for youngsters. You almost have to be paranoid to stay safe. As i understand it, employers wonder why not what is being hidden if they can't find prospective employers online so how are youngsters cope with privacy when everything is increasingly online and half of it out of your hands if anyone shares any of it inspite of your own privacy settings.

I was one of the unfortunate 50 billion who got their data "gathered" by one of the online agencies and it has not been good. I was on Facebook with highest security but one of my friends or friend of a friend were "accessed" by filling in a questionnaire and that allowed access to their friends. They sought people with certain interests to target with their political campaigning. Thousands of us left Facebook two years ago when we were targeted with adverts (which to me were obviously lies and meant to cause hatred). Some people reposted them which resulted in a lot of lies being spread. I had two death threats from complete strangers so I decided FB was no longer for me. The messages related to political campaigns in Britain so they knew exactly what they were doing. However until recently I kept receiving emails from Donald Trump Junior, about 2-3 a week. It was impossible to unsubscribe but has gone finally this week. Many complained of the same. We had no idea we were part of the (at least) 50 billions accounts illegally gathered.

Nanawind - why did you put photo on the site if you didn't want to be recognised. I'm sorry but I think it was your own fault.

Telly, don't assume that your dog's picture will protect your identity! James Herriot was once out walking when a stranger approached him, calling him by name. He said, "I suppose you recognised my picture from one of my books?" "No," said the man. "I recognised your dogs from their picture in your book."

I've seen this subject come up here before and I'm afraid to say I think people are far too paranoid about it. I use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc. and mostly register with my real name. I post pictures of myself, usually with celebs that I meet at conventions. I also enter many online competitions where I have to fill in my name, email address, postal address, date of birth and phone number. So what's the worst thing that can happen if a stranger knows my birthday - they send me a birthday card? Obviously it's not a good idea to post details of when you're away from home etc. but most of these other things can be obtained from phone books, electoral registers etc. What harm can it do as long as you don't post financial information etc.

Don't use your FB account to sign into other sites and set you privacy settings high! However I think we are all being a bit naïve if we think that these social media sites are the only means by which personal information about us can be gathered.
As for that lady, possibly 'strange' more likely just lonely.

BTW my FB profile pic is of me - the fantasy Snapchat version. Must be a shock meeting me for real, for folk who don't know me well!

Hi, my 3 year old grandson recognised you and drew me an identical pic of you

You do realise this forum isn't private. I discovered it by googling some random question and up came this amazing site! Your strange TA experience would have freaked me too. I'm not used to being recognised.

Gabriella, Facebook owns whatsapp.?

This is actually the only website where I don't use my real name, and the only reason for that is it's the only site where sometimes I voice thoughts about a family member that I wouldn't want to get back to them. Everywhere else I use I only say things I would be happy to say or show publicly.

I don't do face book or twitter .My GN name is nothing like my real name It was taken from a novel I was reading. I reluctantly give my email address. I do not have a smart phone. Still use my old mobile I bought years ago.

Your cautionary tale has made me think again... a salutary lesson ... I'll go through all my login stuff now and delete any photos and sign in anonymously... pictures of the dogs will do ....

I have one of the photos available to choose from on Trip Advisor. A beach photo. If I give a bad review, which I sometimes do, I want to be anonymous! I’ve given lots of reviews for various restaurants and more than one review of the same restaurant, especially if it’s gone from good to bad. Not sure why people would put their own photo on there. Mine is not linked to Facebook. I would have been freaked out too if someone had approached me like that.

NINATHENANA my young daughter and I appeared in a Thomsons brochure, in the hotel swimming pool. Didn't know photo was being taken, let alone asked for permission to publish!