blotunga: Those are two different things. I am rather social-media shy and i don't really like to give out information about my life... and nobody should of course.
Not really, by advocating google whatever ;) you could give a wrong impression. Hey if it is OK to share sensitive information why not share other information. Google, as any big corporation can not be trusted (think of NSA/patriotic act and similar).
Once you put information out, it is nearly impossible to contain it again.
You say "and i don't really like to give out information about my life", but on the other hand give ´anybody´ (google i.e.) the possibility to maybe even damage you.
Bit over the top, but imagine with what is going on with NSA: They have their profiling list:
1.) Shooter game (check)
2.) Flight-simulator (check)
3.) Interested in chemicals (check)
and a few more points and suddenly you might be on a secret list ;)
That is another reason to be careful with using online services....you never know, how or where it is being used AGAINST you ;)
I know bit over the top ;)