On Tuesday Google launched this new social interaction feature called Buzz. No one fully understands it yet, but basically it lets Gmail users create sort of a one-stop Twitter/Facebook/Misc. interface (and bypass your employer's social media blocks). Or something. Some say it's the DEATH of Facebook, while others are vowing to "buzz your Gmail inboxes so hard they're going to explode!" But the exciting new what-have-you has also spread fear, because when you activate it, the default setting automatically lets all your Gmail contacts (like your wife) see the people you IM and e-mail most (your ex-wife!). Take it away, irate Buzz user:
I use my private Gmail account to email my boyfriend and my mother. There’s a BIG drop-off between them and my other “most frequent” contacts. You know who my third most frequent contact is? My abusive ex-husband.
Which is why it’s SO EXCITING, Google, that you AUTOMATICALLY allowed all my most frequent contacts access to my Reader, including all the comments I’ve made on Reader items, usually shared with my boyfriend, who I had NO REASON to hide my current location or workplace from, and never did.
My other most frequent contacts? Other friends of Flint’s.
Anyway, if you want to know how to make it so your secret pal isn't exposed to everyone through Google Buzz, Business Insider talks you through it. This way you can at least make sure your creepy uncle doesn't find out about you and Sesame Street. It's also being reported that Google is considering separating Buzz from Gmail entirely.
