In today’s Quick Hits, we look at two interesting pieces of data from recent social media research, ponder the privacy of Facebook Places, and discuss why Germany’s anti-web screening legislation probably won’t do much good even if it is passed.

–

Over Half of Teens Online Don’t Know Their Facebook Friends

An AOL/Nielsen report reveals that 54 percent of kids online don’t personally know all of the friends they accept into their social networks. The fact that more than half of kids are willing to reveal important and intimate details of their lives to strangers is a disturbing finding and underscores the importance of proactive online reputation management for kids and teens.

Kids Retaliate Against Intrusive Parents Online

The AOL/Nielsen report also showed that 76% of parents with kids on Facebook have “friended” their teens online. Predictably, this has led to frustration from teens who feel that parents are intruding into their private lives. This article from the Los Angeles Times details one website, MyParentsJoinedFacebook.com, which serves as a repository of the annoying and embarrassing things some parents do on Facebook.

CBS Early Show Discusses Geo-Location Tagging and Social Networking

This morning on the CBS Early Show, the topic of Facebook Places and location-based social networking was discussed. The conversation quickly turned toward safety and whether it’s a good idea to share your precise location with your network when you’re out. Tech expert Katie Linendoll wisely observed that, “If I say that I’m on vacation in Los Angeles for a week, that also says my place is completely empty for a week. If you have somebody kind of semi-cyber-stalking you or somebody upset with you, you say you’re gonna be at the mall — not always a good idea.”

Student Boasts on Facebook About Spying on Teachers, Earns Fine

Students have always been curious about what their teachers say outside of the classroom, but no one has taken spying to an extreme like these two girls from Sweden. According to a report, the two teens planted bugging equipment in their school’s teacher’s lounge to overhear private conversations. The pair likely would have gotten away with their crime if not for another technological advancement: Facebook. When one teen bragged about their successful spying online, the pair were caught, taken to court, and fined approximately $270 each.

Germany’s Proposed Anti-Screening Law is a “Toothless Tiger”

The Sydney Morning Herald explores Germany’s proposed legislation that would ban companies from using the Internet to screen candidates before making a hiring decision. The article cites an Australian HR expert who claims that everyone uses social media to scope out applicants and that if the German law passed it would be a “toothless tiger” – impossible to regulate and enforce.