I saw this article [1] and it seems like something I should do? I show up in a lot of those directories if you search my name. I've heard people say that doing this only "validates" that my info is real to those sites. I've heard the same thing about unsubscribe links in emails, that clicking them only confirms with the spammer that you are a real person.

Is there any evidence to these types of claims? Any downside to actively trying to remove my info from these types of sites?

[1] http://www.computerworld.com/article/2849263/doxxing-defense-remove-your-personal-info-from-data-brokers.html