Social networking sites are growing in popularity and are gaining users daily. Social sites such as MySpace, Facebook and Twitter can be great fun but joining them also may pose risks. Safety is of the utmost concern when using any social site.
Almost every social site that can be joined has a profile page. This page is the page that needs tailored down for most users. Yes you can list name, address, phone number, email and where you work but stop and think about it? Would you give a total stranger that information on the street? Protect your privacy. When you list such information on a social site that is exactly what is being done. Limit the information given out, especially when your profile page is open for all to see.
Downloading photos to a social site is as common as tweeting or creating a status on Facebook. Not every photo should be considered appropriate for public viewing. Use common sense; once it’s out there, it’s out there. Employers are increasingly using Google to perform reference checks. Do you really want that search to turn up a picture of you at a wet T-shirt contest at a bar?
Image via CrunchBase
Let’s face it we live in a dangerous world and children on social networking sites are a pedophiles’ dream. Be especially vigilant in monitoring children or teen’s accounts if you allow them to have one. Be sure they know each and every person they are adding as “friends” personally.
Social networking sites can be fun but they can be dangerous. Be sure to be vigilant regarding the information and content you add to yours.
