Some wise advise for those who use social media

People posting information about themselves on the internet is becoming a normal occurrence.  With social media sites like Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter as well as blogs (like this one) - it can be scary how much information there is about you on the internet.

What many internet users don't realize is that people actually read their blogs and personal profiles. In fact, some schools and police departments actively search the internet for information about people. Users of blogs, Facebook, etc. need to realize that if they post any personal information, it has the potential to be read by anyone. That's right. In an age of identity theft and hackers, your information is not private even when a website claims that it is. If you can access your page from any computer, your info is fair game.

I have noticed another bad trend. Most young people no longer use email, their only source of online contact is through instant messaging, Facebook, Twitter, and Myspace. While email is a much safer option when it comes to your personal information, many young people are trading security for convenience.

Here are a few tips for protecting your privacy while using the internet:

1. Never give out your personal information (address, phone number, name, social security number, etc). If a website requires some personal info, make sure that it will not be shared with anyone...ever. Do not post your phone number or address on Myspace or other social networking site.

2. Do not put any information in your Facebook or on your blog that you don't want everyone in your life (and the world) to know. Do not trust the "private" features of these websites...they have been cracked before. If you leave yourself signed in to Facebook for instance, anyone can gain access to your account through your computer. This leads us to #3

3. Unless you are the only one that uses your computer, and you have a password - NEVER STAY LOGGED IN, SAVE YOUR PASSWORD TO THE COMPUTER, OR CHECK "REMEMBER ME" IN ANY WEB SERVICE. This is the most common way for others to gain access to your accounts. The second most common way...

4. Never, NEVER, NEVER, give your passwords to anyone, period. Just like gossip, you cannot control the spread of your password to others. Even if your friend never shares your password, they might by mistake allow someone else to access your account.

5. Use email for personal, private communication with other people. Email is much safer than putting your private communication up online for everyone to view. Just make sure you follow #3 and #4.


6. Never post your email address anywhere, period.  This leads to lots of unwanted spam messages.  If you must post your email somewhere, type it out so a human has to read it and not some computer program - like youraddress AT G M A I L Dot Com
Blogs and Facebook are great to keep in touch with your friends and family...just don't be stupid with them. Use common sense and be careful what you let the world know about you. One last tip... don't count on others to be computer illiterate. Your parents/friends can ask someone else to log on and view your profile. Be warned!  ;)