How safe we are in “friend of friends equation” of Social Media? I bet most of the users in the social media is already learned the important safety and privacy. But for me, all things must be doubled checked before we declare it safe. The social networking sites and their services is users friendly and public open sites, that’s a good news to users. By providing the information about yourself and using blogs, chartrooms, email, or instant messaging and displaying your profile with the world at large, the information we share is in your own risk. While the site that can increase your circle of friend, they are also increasing your exposure to the people with different views and intensions. The risk is beyond imaginations, I heard lots of stories about stalking, hacking, identity stolen.
Here are the few tips:
- Check the sites and how the crowds do their thing.
- Think about keeping some control over the information you post. Consider restricting access.
- Keep your information yourself. Don’t post your full name, social security number, bank account and don’t post other peoples information. Don’t leave a footprints.
- Use your username wisely – make sure your screen name doesn’t say too much about you.
- Post only information that you are comfortable with other seeing and knowing about you.
- Remember that once you post information online, you can’t take it back.
- Be cautious in posting your photo. It can be altered and broadcast in ways that you may not happy enough.
- Flirting with the stranger online could have serious consequences. Some people lie about who they are, you never really know who you are dealing with.
- Be wary if a new online friend wants to meet you in person. Do researches before you decide to meet someone. Ask your connections and friends.
- Trust your instinct if you have suspicions. If you feel threatened by someone, tell the people who you trust most and report it to the authority and the social networking sites.
This is quite a few tips but this is a basic that can help us and prevent someone else from becoming a victim. Me personally, I always search a story, tips and other information. Who knows what happen next…
