system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: Why are people so protective of their IP address and MAC address online, and what would the realistic consequences of openly posting them be?

I see a lot of videos with people putting their finger over their MAC address or blocking out their IP address, but it seems like one of things that everyone does just because it's something that everyone does. I'm sure there's a good reason, but what is it?
gpt
Imagine that burglars could teleport to your house from anywhere in the world, try to pick locks or open windows or even just set it on fire for their amusement without much notice unless you actively maintain a log of everything that happens at every entry point. They can then disappear instantly before you can even think to call the cops and come right back when you've let your guard down afterwards. Would you feel comfortable handing out your home address to strangers in that scenario?