Social network users 'lack caution'

Nearly 13 million US social network users are more than willing to accept friend requests from strangers of the opposite gender, according to a Harris Interactive survey, reports Cnet.

The research firm says only 50% of 1 011 survey respondents trust that their connections will keep their information private.

Yet more than 24 million Americans leave their personal information 'mostly public' on social networks, meaning anyone can view their personal details.

CNBC says according to research sponsor ID Analytics chief privacy officer Tom Osherwitz, the real disconnect that turned up in the survey was that only half of those who are on social networking sites actually trust their connections to keep their data private.

According to MSNBC, Oscherwitz points to Americans' lack of caution in social networking. “Friending someone online is not risk-free. Most social networking profiles contain personal information that can be used by fraudsters, and when you friend someone, you are giving them access to this information.”

The survey also found that 5% of US adults on social networks will accept any friend request they receive; regardless of who sends them, reveals PR Newswire.