By now we are probably all aware that 1) Google+ exists and 2) you can organize people you add to your network into different categories AND pick and choose who sees what.
Brilliant.
But you may be like me, a little leery of what people actually see ... I mean if I post that I hate my job (just an example, people-I LOVE my job!) and share it with my friends can I be 100% certain that my boss will NEVER see it? Does my mom know that she isn't in my circle of friends? Will Lola be annoyed when she finds out she is in my circle called "People who post WAY too much on Google+"?
These are all very important questions that I will now answer.
Is there a chance that my other circles will see a post I didn't include them in?
Yes. There is a chance. Although you may only post something to your secret society of peeps about how much you hate your job, members of that group can repost that content and make it public. Before they do, Google sends them a little pop-up that notifies them that the content was "originally shared with a limited audience." There is an option for you to disable the resharing of posts, however. After you post the content, there is a little arrow on the top right that gives you the option to edit, delete, disable comments or disable reshare.
Can people see which circles you put them in?
No. Not unless they are hovering over your shoulder while you're on Google+.
Can anyone start following me on Google+?
Yes. That is why you have the ability to set up circles and filter what you show to whom. BUT you can block people, and restrict your profile privacy to just your name and gender. You can filter every piece of information and tell Google exactly what you want who to see.
What about pictures-can everyone see my pictures?
No. When you automatically upload them from your phone, they are not made visible until you approve them and choose who can see them. If you are adding them to your profile from your computer, you are asked whom you want them to be visible to before publishing.
Will I know if I'm tagged in pictures? Is this like Facebook where I have to go in and frantically un-tag myself?
It depends on your settings. The default setting is anyone in any of your circles can tag you and everyone else needs your approval before a tag appears. You can change that default to make every tag need your approval or just approve a few of your circles. Once a tag is approved, that photo will appear in the "Photos of You" section.
Still confused on who sees what?
No problem. Simply go to your settings and select your about tab. On the far right, there is a box that says "View Profile as..." you can enter anyone's name and it will show you exactly what that person sees. You can also check who sees what from every post you send; there will be a limited or a public tab next to each post.
Any privacy questions I missed? Leave a comment!
Sources:
Google+ Designer: The 4 Problems in Social Networking That We Fixed (Fast Co. Design)
Google+: The Complete Guide (Mashable)
Google+ Tips and Tricks: 10 Hints for New Users(Mashable)