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Do you worry about being indentified on Gransnet?

(21 Posts)
Desdemona Thu 24-Sept-26 22:17:44

I don't post much, but I worry about posting my individual problems and readers being able to work out who I am - I have a more than healthy dose of paranoia going on.

As a general discussion, do you watch what you post?

Desdemona Thu 24-Sept-26 22:19:12

I meant identified - indentified might mean something else.

FriedGreenTomatoes2 Thu 24-Sept-26 22:25:34

I changed my user name a couple of years back because I felt it identified me too much and feel happier with my new moniker. That said, my lifestyle choices are somewhat revealing and it wouldn’t take a Miss Marple long to work out who I am should anyone start wondering.

HeavenLeigh Thu 24-Sept-26 22:27:13

Never ever worry I don’t post about family situations or relationships my posts are lighthearted so it wouldn’t worry me at all

Fallingstar Thu 24-Sept-26 22:29:17

I watch what I post because I wouldn’t want my immediate family to think I was posting stuff about them without their knowledge. But because names are never used I imagine it is hard for anyone to figure out who is who. And I have always been a rather invisible person, moreso as I get older, not at all interesting enough or outstanding enough for people to remember me even if I have met them in person. So I doubt anyone will work out who I am, which I think is a good thing now I am too old to want anyone to be interested in me, but it did bother me when I was younger.

FriedGreenTomatoes2 Thu 24-Sept-26 22:29:50

You could camouflage your posts for example say ‘my cousin’ instead of ‘my daughter’ or refer to her as a he to disguise identities. Don’t mention anything when it’s your birthday, don’t reveal any holiday destination just say you’re off soon for some sunshine etc.

What bothers you the most? Pull up a chair and share. No one’s listening.

Well yes they are it’s a public forum …. 🤷‍♀️

Georgesgran Thu 24-Sept-26 22:30:31

Doesn’t worry or bother me at all. Some GNs meet up regularly, so I suppose they’ve self-identified.

M0nica Thu 24-Sept-26 22:30:32

Since I go to meet-ups quite a number of people here do know who I am.

I am by nature a fairly open person, but I am careful not to put anything on GN, that I would be worried by if someone knew who I am

FriedGreenTomatoes2 Thu 24-Sept-26 22:32:33

I imagine some of us don’t want to be identified by our family/friends or neighbours. Meet ups are okay I think. It’s different somehow.

Charleygirl5 Thu 24-Sept-26 22:35:26

FGT I could find you very easily because of what you have posted over the years! You are safe because that is not something I would ever do!

I don't think anybody could find me, London is a gig place, and I am careful what I write.

fancythat Thu 24-Sept-26 22:36:25

Agreed.

For some reason I had an idea of two people who I wouldnt want to be identified by.
Non sense really.
One I have realised now, I dont think would read this forum.

The other person. He knows me so well anyway[not DH], that I am almost past the point of caring.

fancythat Thu 24-Sept-26 22:36:51

To 22.32pm post

FriedGreenTomatoes2 Thu 24-Sept-26 22:41:54

Mind you Charleygirl you don’t actually ‘know’ me just tgat you could ‘find me’. Which wouldn’t worry me.

I’d be more concerned if a neighbour or friend said “you are FGT2 and I claim my £5 prize’!

My anonymity gives me the freedom to discuss my more innermost thoughts with gay abandon. No filters needed but that would be necessary if I felt someone I knew personally (not on GN) was watching me.

Sago Thu 24-Sept-26 22:42:21

I was really shocked when a regular poster inadvertently revealed exactly who she was.

I tried to DM her via Instagram, Gransnet and FB but she does not accept private messages.

In 5 minutes I had her name, her husbands name, her business and home address.

FriedGreenTomatoes2 Thu 24-Sept-26 22:43:27

Trump? Who’s he? 🤣

JenniferEccles Thu 24-Sept-26 22:44:05

Some people change their user name if they suspect they have been identified, which is understandable.

FriedGreenTomatoes2 Thu 24-Sept-26 22:45:08

Mind you Sago why would it matter? You’re not her friend and she didn’t reveal her PIN number or bank account details.

FriedGreenTomatoes2 Thu 24-Sept-26 22:46:12

Oh I see. You were trying to alert her so that any family/friends didn’t cop on.

lovethepuppies Thu 24-Sept-26 22:50:54

No, anything I've shared is generic enough it could apply to many people. It's possible my parents could think my support thread here is about them, but no-one else would recognise what is in there, and I've not posted things too specifically identifying in that.

MT62 Thu 24-Sept-26 23:13:04

Sago

I was really shocked when a regular poster inadvertently revealed exactly who she was.

I tried to DM her via Instagram, Gransnet and FB but she does not accept private messages.

In 5 minutes I had her name, her husbands name, her business and home address.

I told you you should have been a detective sago 😂

MT62 Thu 24-Sept-26 23:19:12

Not particularly bothered.