Slashdot Mirror


Googling For Dates?

JAK writes "The New York Times' down-to-earth ethicist Randy Cohen writes on the moral implications of searching for a date's past on Google. He suggests that the practice is ok (even admitting to doing it himself) but warns against jumping to conclusions based on a quick search or confusing someone for others with the same name. He also writes that "the verb ''to Google'' is now a familiar neologism" (neologism: a new word, usage, or expression, I looked it up). You can read about it The Times (free reg blah blah)"

8 of 421 comments (clear)

  1. Google -- NYTimes -- Google by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative
    Google News provides a reg-free link to the NYTimes article on Google:

    Is Googling OK?

  2. Re:Limiting to only Google!? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

    Andy, I know what you've done and how many little girls you've attempted to rape. You're a sick, fucked up man who needs to be shot. I understand you've developed a relationship with "kat"... a 17 year old girl with a low self-esteem and a constant need to be in the center of attention. Just can't stay away from the chat scene, 'eh? I remember when you attempted to pursuade me to leave home at 17 and move in with you. It was even more amusing watching you attempt to establish a friendship with me so YOU could get some pussy. I see you haven't learned a lesson yet. Happy unemployment.

  3. instead of googling ... by r0b0t+b0y · · Score: 3, Informative

    try googlism.

    usually more fun (but less accurate/informative).

    --


    ----
    i do not use drugs, i AM drugs -- Dali
  4. Re:Cheat dating? by Andorion · · Score: 2, Informative

    No =)

    Put your conscience to rest... if you start seeing eachother regularly, I'm sure you'll eventually tell her and I'm sure you'll both laugh about it. Like I posted earlier, this is the technological update of calling her friends to find out what she's into!

    -Berj

  5. Re:Limiting to only Google!? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

    You're the one who should be seeing a psychologist. It's not normal to pursuade underaged girls to remove articles of clothing for your viewing pleasure whether it's online or in person. It's also not normal to show teenage girls your penis via webcam. And why would you remember me? You've chased so many underaged girls, it must be hard to keep track of them all. Don't play stupid. This isn't just going to disappear.

  6. I'll answer that by The+Tyro · · Score: 3, Informative

    As long as the person never finds out about it, you are A-OK. It's not illegal to do research; it's what you do with that research that makes or breaks you.

    Most anti-stalking statues have a clause or two about putting the "stalkee" in fear, emotional distress, or causing intimidation. You typically also have to show a pattern of such behavior... a single incident does not a stalker make.

    Think about all the drooling britney spears fanboys out there (like 95% of slashdotters... cmon, it's cool to hate her music, but ALL of you geeks secretly want her body... admit it). They are not guilty of stalking simply because they plaster their room with pictures, and constantly google the 'net for new britney sites.

    Stalking implies much more than just a google search.

    --
    Even if a man chops off your hand with a sword, you still have two nice, sharp bones to stick in his eyes.
  7. Challenge to illustrate a point. by Kris_J · · Score: 3, Informative
    10 points to the first person to find my first usenet post (which I have found and confirmed in the Google Groups cache). I'll even spot you my name; Chris Johnson.

    With such a common name I have no idea how people think they can find out anything about a person on-line unless they've specifically made it available.

  8. Re:Grr by xmedar · · Score: 2, Informative

    in this case, actress = appearing in -

    Chicago Hope

    Heaven Can Wait

    Indie movies

    numerous threatre productions

    OTOH I have dated the other sort in my wild youth, something I'm sure you've dreamt of

    --
    Any sufficiently advanced man is indistinguishable from God