Social Engineering

Perhaps a better Poll Question is, "Have you ever been targetted by a Phishing attempt?"

No, I understand perfectly. But you happened to make my point without knowing it. Social Engineering is too vast to try to narrow it down. If you categorize it like you do dobby (like I do as well), then everyone in this world has been a "Victim of Social Engineering." I doubt you're a parent or you'd know reverse psychology. It is as much a form of social engineering as trying to convince your boyfriend to give you a second chance, your teacher to raise your grades, to receive grants for research projects. You're trying to get something through any means possible: truth, lies, political agendas, ethics/morals, fears, and everything imaginable.

What I meant in my statement is that thiggins posing the question doesn't understand social engineering and that he needs to narrow his scope. When you have a poll that broad, there is no way to define what it is unless your definition is also just as general. And as most of us realize, general definitions aren't worth crap. They need to be precise or they hold no weight.

Therefore, I suggested to thiggins that he use a poll that is much more precise, "Have you ever been targetted by a Phishing attempt?" as a way to narrow the scope... because most everyone knows what a phishing attack is. However, as seen with just us three, people's definition of social engineering varies. One might say 'Yes' to something because of their opinion and another 'No' on the same, exact details. This is why NEWS polls and surveys are worth a hill of frickin' beans.