The Online Dilemma for Individuals and Businesses

Tag : Keseharian, Opinion - Asep Haryono | The Online Dilemma for Individuals and Businesses - Powered by Blogger

I have looked at several official websites, both business and personal, where people intentionally display their real personal information online to be viewed by people around the world especially for business purposes. They clearly include their real contact details (address, phone number, email address) so that potential customers can contact them for more information about their products.

On the other hand, I’ve found that many individuals online are not interested in providing their personal contact details. Instead, they prefer to use general chat options such as Facebook Messenger or the Facebook comment section, which feel safer than exposing their private information. This is understandable.

FYI. This is my actual laptop I use every day at my home. I purchased online a few years ago. Old fashion type with very old window version as well.

Privacy vs. Visibility:
In today’s digital world, there's an interesting contrast happening across social media and online platforms. On one side, many individuals especially bloggers and everyday internet users are becoming increasingly cautious about sharing personal information. On the other side, online businesses are expected to be transparent, providing real addresses, phone numbers, and contact details to build trust. So why is this happening, and what risks are involved?

Many social media users are now choosing to keep their phone numbers, real names, and even profile pictures private. And it’s easy to understand why. With rising concerns about cyberbullying, scams, identity theft, and doxxing, protecting your personal data online is no longer optional it’s essential.

Online anonymity also offers freedom. People want to express themselves, join conversations, or comment freely without fear of judgment or harassment. That’s why you often see pseudonyms and avatars instead of real faces on platforms like Reddit, TikTok, or Twitter.

"It doesn't happen to me. If you visit my blog, you’ll clearly see that all my contact details are publicly displayed. My email, phone number, and other personal information are real.

I'm not afraid of being scammed or having someone misuse my contact details or photos for their own benefit. All my friends already know me well. Even though I haven’t experienced any serious online scams in years,

I will definitely stay more cautious with all my online activities moving forward"




For Businesses Must Be Transparent
In contrast, online businesses operate in a completely different environment. They need to be visible and accessible. Potential customers want to know they’re dealing with a real, trustworthy business. That means showing an actual address, business phone number, and clear identity. Without that, people simply won’t buy.

Also, for legal reasons, platforms like Google Business, Facebook Pages, or marketplaces like Amazon often require verified business details. This builds credibility, ensures accountability, and helps with online visibility in search engines.

Scammers Are Watching

Here’s the twist. While businesses need to be transparent, that same visibility also makes them prime targets for scammers. Public contact details are often scraped from websites or social media and used for: Fake orders or refund scams, Phishing emails pretending to be customers or banks, Business identity theft (cloning websites or brand pages), Phone calls using social engineering to steal information, The more open you are, the more exposed you become,

How to Be Smart and Stay Safe
Balancing online visibility with security starts by being mindful of what you share. It’s a good idea to use only essential information like a business phone, a professional email address, and a general location such as your city while keeping personal details private. Strengthening your digital presence is also important. Make sure your website uses HTTPS, update your plugins regularly, and install basic security tools such as firewalls to prevent unwanted access.

It helps to separate personal and business accounts so your professional activity doesn't overlap with your private life. For instance, using different platforms or profiles for your business keeps things organized and more secure. When you receive unexpected emails, messages, or payment notifications, take a moment to double-check their source. Verifying things before responding can prevent unnecessary risks or misunderstandings.

Also, keep an eye on how your brand appears online. Every so often, search your business name to make sure it hasn’t been copied or misused. If something looks suspicious, acting early can protect your reputation and customer trust. Taking these thoughtful steps helps you stay visible, credible, and safe in the digital world.

The online world is full of opportunity, but also full of risk. For individuals, privacy is protection. For businesses, visibility is survival. The key is to find the sweet spot where you're open enough to grow, but cautious enough to stay safe.

If you found this article helpful, feel free to share it with fellow bloggers, small business owners, or anyone trying to grow their online presence safely. Have your own tips or stories to share? Drop a comment below or message me I’d love to hear your thoughts!

I think that will be all for now my friend

Just be cool

Stay smart, stay safe, and keep creating
.

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A Message From Asep Haryono

 

"Thank you so much for your time here. I really appreciate your precious moment here as well.  Please leave any comment down below.  Let me hear from you.  Greetings from Indonesia"