Social networking site safety tips
9th June 2012What do you think about before joining a social networking site? Like most people we don’t think about this enough. With all those pictures of us out there and constant status updates to what we are doing who is to say that someone is not using that information in a we didn’t want.
What to think about before joining a social networking site.
- Think about how different sites work before deciding to join a site.
- Think about keeping some control over the information you post.
- Keep your information to yourself. Don’t post your full name, Social Security number, address, phone number, or bank and credit card account.
- Make sure your screen name doesn’t say too much about you. Don’t use your name, your age, or your hometown.
- Post only information that you are comfortable with others seeing – and knowing about you.
- Remember that once you post information online, you can’t take it back. Even if you delete the information from a site, older versions exist on other people’s computers.
- Consider not posting your photo. It can be altered and broadcast in ways you may not be happy about.
- Flirting with strangers online could have serious consequences. Because some people lie about who they really are, you never really know who you’re dealing with.
- Be wary if a new online friend wants to meet you in person. Before you decide to meet someone, do your research: Ask whether any of your friends know the person, and see what background you can dig up through online search engines.
- Trust your gut if you have suspicions. If you feel threatened by someone or uncomfortable because of something online, tell an adult you trust and report it to the police and the social networking site.
- You could end up preventing someone else from becoming a victim.