With the increasing popularity and variety of people using social networking, social networking websites, and blogging online, it becomes increasingly possible that users may come in contact with stalkers, predators, or others who are may cause harm to an individual. It is important to be aware of what personal information is out there for others to view.
The Federal Trade Commission’s website has some ideas as to how to stay safe while networking online and surfing the Internet.
Do Your Research
Be sure to check out the website before registering by looking over the website’s privacy policy, checking out the privacy settings, and seeing how the community is structured. Social networking sites are generally more secure if the site requires users to register and create an account before posting anything. The website's address can also be an indicator as to whether or not the website is safe. If the first five letters are https, then it is an indication that the website uses a secure server to transmit information.
Know Your Info
Be aware of what is posted on a user’s profile or blog. Do not post personal information, such as a home address, Social Security Number, or credit card information. Personal information that seems innocent, such as birthdays and screennames for instant messaging may give online predators or unwanted visitors clues as to a user's true identity and may be used in identity theft or fraud. Keep in mind what kind of information is revealed.
Keep in mind what the information that has been posted reveals about the user. Employers, school administrators, and many others are now using social networking and blogging to get to know potential employees and students. If a user has pictures of them drinking underage and is trying to get a job with a substance abuse prevention organization, the pictures and even what other users say about each other can have a negative impact on potential offers.
Smiling for the camera may be good in real life, but consider not publishing a photo when creating a profile. Pictures make it easier for predators to pick a potential victim out of a crowd, and the fewer visual details that are available, the harder it is to be found.
Trust Your Instincts
If something doesn’t feel right, then don’t go against instincts. If a conversation or some kind of interaction does not feel comfortable, get out of the situation, block the user, and if all else fails, cancel your account on the website.
Also be cautious when it comes to flirting or meeting people in person. Flirting online, which is hard to interpret because it is only words, can be easily misinterpreted due to the lack of facial expressions and other nonverbal cues. Meeting someone from an online website can be dangerous because it is easy to create an identity online that is not necessarily the person’s true identity.
When using social media and networking on the Internet, it is important to remember that the information available can have a negative effect on a user’s networking experience. However, after using some caution, social networking can be a beneficial activity to both professionals and everyday users alike.
