In today’s Quick Hits, the media plunders the Anthony Weiner scandal for more stories, Nissan is accused of tracking driver data, and Mitch Lipka debates Facebook photo tagging.

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The New York Times on Digital Flirting

As more and more lewd photos of Rep. Anthony Weiner hit the web, the Congressman’s online exploits continue to be a source of inspiration for journalists. In this New York Times piece, Tara Parker-Pope looks at the practice of digital flirting and discusses why it’s so easy to do (and even easier to get caught doing). In her article, Parker-Pope cites research from the Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project that shows we all might be a little bit more like Anthony Weiner than we’d think. According to Pew data, among people ages 18 to 29, “nearly one-third of that group say they have received sexually suggestive or nude photos of someone they know, and 13 percent say they have sent them.”

Given how damaging that these online indiscretions can become, one wonders why so many people engage in sexting and other risky online behavior. The rest of the Times article features insight from behavioral experts and psychologists on why this behavior is becoming more of a norm for online adults.

How Twitter’s Direct Message System Tripped up Anthony Weiner

Like I said before, Rep. Anthony Weiner’s photo scandal is getting coverage all over the Internet. This article from CNN and Wired offers yet another unique angle on the story. Rather than focusing on the indiscretions themselves, Wired’s Steven Levy looks at the various steps that led to Weiner’s undressing (pun definitely intended). Levy recounts how Twitter’s founders decided to develop the open reply system, as well as the more private direct message system, and how the two are easily mismanaged. Because Weiner didn’t realize just how transparent his online flirting was, by the time he accidentally shared a picture of himself publicly instead of privately, it was easy to trace the digital trail to other inappropriate exchanges.

Nissan Accused of Tracking Driver Data

Is great mileage worth sharing your driving history? According to the Wall Street Journal, “A U.S.-based blogger on SeattleWireless.net who says he owns a Leaf claims that the car’s telematic system automatically sends pinpoint data on the car’s location to any third-party RSS feed to which drivers subscribe.” Nissan says it is looking into the claims, but the Wall Street Journal makes the point that the vehicle’s owner’s manual grants broad sharing of personal data.

The Debate Over Facebook Photo Tagging

Veteran consumer reporter Mitch Lipka takes a nuanced look at Facebook photo tagging and the recent drama over Facebook’s decision to rollout its facial recognition feature across the site. In his column, Lipka talks with privacy advocates about the dangers related to photo tagging, and offers step-by-step advice on how to help keep your online content hidden from people other than your friends. Lipka’s closing line gets to the heart of the issue: “Just remember that today a quick search of a person’s name can deliver a lot information, including a photo of you at that party last Saturday doing something you might not remember. And, by the way, the company you’d like to work for is looking at it right now.”