Deleting Your Virtual Self
If you’ve ever wished to delete your virtual self, you’re in luck: Web 2.0 Suicide Machine allows you to “sign off forever” of social networking sites. The website‘s automated system logs onto your choice of four social networking sites and one by one begins to delete all of your content. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or MySpace- be gone!
But online freedom is not without a price. First, in order for the site to access your personal profile, you have to surrender your log-in and password. One of the first orders of business once Suicide Machine has logged into your account is to change your password, which points to the second concern- there is no logging back in.
While many people may be apprehensive about permanently removing themselves from their online community, the site’s promotional video indicates that that is exactly what many people need. This short video talks about the real life benefits of ending your cyber life, especially in terms of human connections and overall happiness.
Many students may find the site useful when they begin to clean up their online profile once they start internship and job searches. Though photos of you downing a two-story beer bong may impress your friends, a prospective employer might not have the same reaction.
The late Hunter S. Thompson demonstrates a simpler way to eliminate his social networking fix.
