Do you routinely Google people you meet?

[Anonymous]

I was at a school event for my DS the other evening. I never goes to those. DH focuses on DS's all-boys school events, I focus on DD's all-girls school events. Anyway, I was introduced to one of my DS's classmates fathers who upon meeting me, said things throughout our conversation that he knew much about me (where I worked, that I was interested in running, where I was from). He didn't do this in a scary way, just matter of factly. I then asked him how he knew so much about me, as we'd never met, and I would have been floored had it been DH who doesn't say much of anything to anyone. Anyway, this new acquaintance said he had Googled me, of course, at the beginning of the year when class lists were posted! I wasn't freaked out, or offended, really just curious - does this often happen? Am I the only one out there who doesn't routinely Google the parents of my kids' classmates, or other folks I meet for that matter? Interesting world we live in.

[Anonymous]

No unless it's for a job interview or for professional reasons. Or maybe once in a great while when I'm curious about an acquaintance.

[Anonymous]

I think that's totally weird. Even if I DID Google everyone I met, I wouldn't TELL them. I definitely do Google people, but not routinely. There's usually some reason. Recently, I met an odd character who kept making vague reference to her very important high-powered international job, so I Googled her out of curiosity.

[Anonymous]

yeh, if i'm at all curious about them. but i would never mention something that i only knew from my nosey online activities, and i would think that anyone i don't really know who mentioned these things to me is pretty weird.

[Anonymous]

He's socially inept.

I sometimes Google my child's classmates' and teammates' parents, not the entire class or roster, but only if someone seems interesting, not as some systemic research!

But I NEVER would tell anyone I did.

[Anonymous]

Yes.

Wouldn't let the person know.

Wouldn't do in-depth research on the entire class list.

[Anonymous]

No, I don't. Because it's creepy.

For the record, I'm a professional opposition researcher, so maybe that's part of it. I do it all day long to strangers.

[Anonymous]

yes, i've googled most of the parents on our class roster. But I would never let on to this in conversation.

[Anonymous]

You people have WAY too much time on your hands! Do you social climb those with a favorable Google. Pfftt.

[Anonymous]

Yes and we've also looked up people's houses via street view. Not in a creepy way just to get to know them a little before meeting.

[Anonymous]

Yes but would never let on that I did. Would pretend not to know stuff I learned.

[Anonymous]

No.

But the most interesting part of your post was that you and your husband focus each focus on your same-sex child. I find that a little strange.

[Anonymous]

Wow. I have never Googled anyone.

[Anonymous]

I google everyone. Friends, coworkers, people I interview at work but would NEVER let on. Sometimes I feel bad but I figure if it's out there, it's fair game.

I actually google everything - not just people. I'm an information whore.

[Anonymous]

The man was gauche to admit it and I'm surprised you didn't feel creeped out.

That being said, I don't routinely Google anyone... just don't think about doing it unless I really need to know something...