Issue 3: My Accidental Inclusion in a Steve Jobs Chat Group 😳

We've all sent a message to someone we didn't mean to, but WOW. Bombs? Emoji's? What can we learn from the biggest group chat group snafu in history? Plus, why I'm so grateful for 23andMe DNA Data.⚡❤️

Hi. What a crazy week, huh? Did you send any government secrets over WhatsApp or maybe the secret recipe for Coca-Cola over Facebook Messenger? No? Well, consider yourself lucky I guess. 🤷‍♀️ And emoji’s? Really? 🤯

We’ve all sent a message to someone we didn’t mean to, but usually, it’s just kind of embarrassing. Case in point? I sent my sister a podcast link this week that I hadn’t listened to yet, and it turned out to be about sex. That was pretty mortifying, especially since she’s still my “new” sister (my story about finding her through 23andMe DNA data below). It was a Mel Robbins Podcast link, and I thought it was about a way to “reboot” your week. Instead, it was about rebooting a stale sex life. The minute I realized my blunder, I turned crimson and apologized profusely.

Which is more than we can say for…well you know.

When I was Accidentally Included in a Messaging Chain:

I’ve been accidentally included in top-secret messages before, too. Many long-time journalists have been.

Back when Steve Jobs was in the final days of his battle with cancer, I had a loaner iPhone to review and received company messages updating his inner circle about his health, support circles, prayer services, and even the notice that he had passed away a full 24 hours before it was released to the rest of the world. You know what I did? Hit delete, sent up my own thoughts and prayers, and told no one about it except a few close friends and family (until now, obviously). Even though it could have been a “scoop of the century,” it wasn’t the right thing to do. Period.

Everyone I know who makes a living as a journalist has to abide by a code of conduct, including standards and ethics most people don’t know exists. It appears Mr. Goldberg (the editor-in-chief at the Atlantic included in a top-secret government war chat group), closely followed those standards and acted responsibly, professionally, and morally. Can we say the same for the people in charge of top-secret intel?

Why this matters:

I know, another day, another outrageous headline—one that I’m convinced is from The Onion—turns out to be real. The takeaways are worth talking about though:

• Signal is arguably the safest group chat app out there. BUT… using Signal alone does not make your messages secure.

• People are almost always the weakest link, but your device is vulnerable too, especially if it’s your personal device. Hackers are increasingly tapping into these apps to blackmail, exploit, steal, topple governments, and all kinds of shady sh*!. Read more about zero-day exploits here.

• And seriously, emojis? Are they appropriate for high-level corporate communications nowadays?

• For anyone in PR or corporate communications — lying is NEVER a good look. Are we talking about how not to handle a crisis yet?

Here’s the bottom line: there’s NO FAILPROOF tech tool. Period. Not a single one. Not now and likely not ever.

As far as messaging apps go, Signal’s the gold standard, but no level of security or legal protection matters if you simply share your confidential data with the wrong person. Or if they get hacked, your phone gets stolen, and the list goes on.

But hey, it’s sure made for a week of funny comments after the fact.

🗣️ Let’s Talk About It

Have you ever sent a message to someone you didn’t mean to? Or the other way around? Do tell! Comment in this article or join the conversation with me above in the “chat” space, on Instagram, LinkedIn, or TikTok.

More On My Mind this Week

Here are some of the other topics we’re covering & talking about:

Spring has finally sprung

At least in the world of awesome gadgets. Take a look at some of our fun picks featured on TV and radio stations around the country this week, including one that could FINALLY solve a huge digital parenting problem.

***GIVEAWAY***

I’m giving away a Bird Buddy Pro next week (normally $279) Check my Instagram @JennJolly throughout the week for details!***

23andMe Files for Bankruptcy:

23andMe filed for bankruptcy. I found my half-sisters on it and learned for the first time in my life (as an adoptee) the truth about my genetic background, siblings, and important health info. The company’s 2023 data breach and now bankruptcy hits hard for me.

So…what now? Does a sale mean a huge genetic database — including my (and maybe your) DNA is on the auction block too? If you’re worried (and I am…), here’s how to delete your account to make sure your data doesn't get sold to the highest bidder.

To delete:

• Log into 23andMe (it’s been crazy slow this week, but I was finally able to get in tonight)

• Select “Settings”  

• Scroll to “23andMe Data” and click “View.” 

• Type in your birth date and click "Confirm"

• Download your date or simply “Delete.”

• Go to your email and confirm you want to delete it.

Now for the tricky part. I don’t regret using 23andMe at all and would do it all over again. I am so incredibly grateful for getting to know these three incredible humans. (Three of us share a biological father.) The benefits of adding these magical women to my life outweigh any potential risks. I might feel differently if I meet my clone someday, but then again, I sure could use another “me” from time to time. 🏃‍♀️

🗣️ Let’s Talk About It

Are you nervous about your DNA falling into the wrong hands? Did you find out something life-changing thanks to a DNA test?

Be sure to drop me a line (or jump into the chat in the tab above) and let me know what you think about when you think about tech.

Ask your questions, share your genius tips and tricks, all of it. I’m happy you’re here.

- XO Jenn

Coming up next week — WE ANNOUNCE THE GREAT GADGET GIVEAWAY WINNER! Plus, have you used AI to help you get in better shape? What are your favorite new fitness tech tools? Be sure to join the conversation and let me know!