Originally Posted by Bobbinwinder
I'm thinking that the newbies aren't actually putting that "in hiding" in their profile...they aren't putting anything in their profile and the default is "in hiding".
This is true. Until I got a PM from Butterflywing about my whereabouts status, I had no clue that the default setting went to "in hiding." I wasn't trying to be purposeful in hiding, I simply overlooked that little tidbit in my initial profile being set-up.
However, since I have a legal background and have had extensive research and schooling in online people location, I can totally relate to why some members may wish to not put their location in their profile. Cyber-security is a HUGE deal; you wouldn't believe just how many Facebooks are being hacked into, including peoples emails, personal records, etc. It may seemed far-fetched to some that people can gain useful and logistical information about you just from a chat room, but I recall just recently a few year's ago here in Arkansas a little girl was kidnapped and murdered due to an online 'stalker'.
I certainly think that if someone wishes to remain someone anonymous, then all means they should do so. It's still a free country ..... for now....:)